News

On 21 December 2011, a MI-8AMT helicopter with Russian crew aboard used by UN mission was hit by a rocket. The helicopter crashed near Likuangole, Jongley state of the Republic of South Sudan killing the crew. The Urals Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee is continuing to investigate the case over crimes under paragraph “a” of part 2 of article 105 of the RF Criminal Code (murder of two or more persons), part 2 of article 167 (deliberate destruction of property), part 1 of article 360 (attack on persons under international protection).

According to investigators the crew of the Mi-8AMT helicopter was performing a recon flight for the UN Mission. The helicopter belonged to OOO KV Group (LLC) and was part of the UN Mission forces and facilities in the Republic of South Sudan having the UN distinctive marks, colors and registration number. The explosion of the missile damaged systems and settings of the helicopter followed by an intensive fire. The helicopter crashed into the earth and fell into pieces, all four Russian members of the crew were killed. During the questioning of a witness it has been found that before the crash there was a smoke trail, the one a rocket might have had, and a flash of light in the air. After that they heard a shot and the shaft of fire fell on the ground following the smoke trail. According to medical results of the police morgue in the city of Kampala, the Republic of Uganda, the captain, second pilot and flight manager died of numerous wounds and the blow of a blunt object. The flight mechanic died of burns and asphyxia. According to the conclusions of Russian medical experts the casual relationship of the damages of the helicopter and death of the crew with the circumstances of the crash was confirmed.

At present investigators have questioned as victims the relatives of the crew and a representative of the owner of the helicopter. The helicopter maintenance documents have been seized. Investigating operations they have got the data that the helicopter was hit by antiaircraft artillery. At the moment investigators are taking measures to find the people involved in the crash and death of Russian pilots. With this purpose they with the assistance of the Interpol National Central Bureau of Sverdlovsk Region Main Office of the Russian Interior Ministry have sent a request to the law enforcement bodies in South Sudan.

Investigation is ongoing.