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Search and rescue operation at helicopter crash site is over

The rescuers have evacuated all the injured to hospitals, where they receive necessary assistance, and have taken out all bodies from the helicopter

MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. Rescuers of the Russian Emergencies Ministry have completed the search and rescue operation at the site of a Mil Mi-8 helicopter crash in Yamal, the ministry’s local branch told TASS on Saturday.

"The rescuers have evacuated all the injured to hospitals, where they receive necessary assistance, and have taken out all bodies from the helicopter," the source said.

The victims’ identification will be organized in Novy Urengoi.

"The ministry’s psychologists are working with the relatives, and they will be assisting during the identification procedure," the source added.

The crash landing of the helicopter in 80 kilometers to the north-west of the Urengoy settlement was reported at 6:57pm Moscow time on October 21. On board the helicopter were 22 people - 19 of them died, including three crew members.

A total of 140 people and 20 units of equipment were involved in the search and rescue operation.

Investigation into the accident is under way.