The helicopter accident in the Magadan region involved shift workers who had been en route from the Sopka Kvartsevaya gold deposit. Local reports indicate that the passengers were employed by the Polymetal group. News outlets note that shortly before departure, the company announced the sale of the business had been finalized.
Emergency services describe the Mi-8 as making a hard landing near the Kvartsevy mine in the Magadan area. The prosecutor’s office cites engine failure as the preliminary trigger for the incident, guiding ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash.
Magadan regional governor Sergei Nosov confirmed that doctors and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene in the Kolyma region to assist the survivors and assess casualties. The authorities emphasized a coordinated response, with frontline responders and regional agencies working together to manage the incident and support affected families.
In response to the crash, the transport investigation department of the Eastern Interregional Transport Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case under the article addressing violations of traffic safety rules and operation of air transport that resulted in loss of life, including any negligence involved. The body stressed the severity of the breach and the need for accountability through a formal inquiry process.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a review to determine compliance with flight safety legislation. The evaluation will cover preflight safety checks, adherence to mandatory requirements during departure preparation, air navigation support during flight, and the execution of emergency rescue operations. The goal is to ensure rigorous safety standards are upheld in line with regional and national regulations.
Earlier reports have referenced fatalities in a helicopter crash in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting that authorities continue to monitor aviation incidents across the broader region and maintain focus on aviation safety across different jurisdictions. These efforts underscore ongoing public safety commitments and the importance of transparent, thorough investigations in all similar events.