8 missing after helicopter carrying tourists crashes in Russia

At least eight people are missing after a helicopter carrying tourists crashed Thursday in Russia, The Associated Press reports.

Three crew members and 14 tourists were on the Mi-8 helicopter when it plunged into Kurile Lake, a volcanic lake on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, after hitting intense fog, according to the Interfax news agency. At least nine people survived the incident, although two people were seriously injured. 

The Kronotsky reserve, the region where the crash occurred, is known for being a popular tourist destination, as it is home to Russia’s only geyser basin. Private helicopter operations, including the company whose helicopter was involved in the Thursday crash, often bring tourists to the area, which can only be reached by air.

The nationalities of the tourists on board the helicopter are unknown.

The heavy fog, a possible factor in the crash, is making rescue efforts more difficult. Local emergency rescue teams and three divers are scouring the lake for survivors, according to state RIA Novosti news agency, the AP reports.

Inclement weather, a possible factor in the crash, caused a passenger plane to crash on the same peninsula last month, the AP reported. All 28 people who were on board that aircraft died.