Russian military helicopter crashes in Central African Republic

2 crew members seriously injured after crash in river, say reports

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - A military helicopter with Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group crashed Monday in the Central African Republic capital, Bangui, seriously injuring two crew members.

According to local sources, the accident occurred at around 9 a.m. local time in the Ubangi River.

Two crew members were seriously injured and the aircraft drifted below the surface of the water, according to online newspaper Corbeau News Centrafrique.

The helicopter, which was returning from provincial cities, arrived at the Roux camp in the capital before taking off again when the pilot noticed the aircraft had a technical problem one minute after take-off, according to the newspaper.

The pilot steered the chopper toward the Ubangi River in an effort to avoid crashing into buildings, it said.

Other sources attributed the accident to bad weather.

Kaynak: