IAF helicopter crashes, eight injured

JAMMU/NEW DELHI - An Indian Air Force Mi-26 helicopter crashed Tuesday close to an air force station near here injuring at least eight people, including three crew members, an official said.

The Mi-26, the heaviest and largest helicopter in the world, crashed in Satwari shortly after it took off at 9.50 a.m. with machinery for laying a railway track in far off Reasi district, an official said.

Initial reports say eight people were injured, IAF spokesperson T.K. Singha told IANS in New Delhi. He added that further details were awaited.

Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Viplov Nath in Jammu said the injured were rushed to a military hospital at Satwari.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The IAF has launched a court of inquiry.

IAF operates eight Russian heavy transport Mi-26 choppers. The chopper has two powerful turbine engines driving a big eight-blade rotor. Its maximum payload is 5,000 kg or 70-100 passengers.