6 reported dead in helicopter crash in central Russia

Six people were killed when a Mi-8 helicopter crashed in the Volgograd Region of Russia, reportedly while inspecting a gas pipeline.

According to media reports, the helicopter belonged to Gazpromavia, a subsidiary of state owned gas giant Gazprom. It was following a gas pipeline on an inspection.

A later report however said that the helicopter belonged to Lukoil, Russia's major producer of oil, and was transporting Lukoil employees on a business trip in the region.

The aircraft had eight people altogether on board, three crew and five passengers. Six have been reported dead, among them a woman.

Mi-8 is a popular multi-purpose helicopter, used widely for passenger and cargo flights.