Military helicopter crashed near Baku belongs to Azerbaijani Defence Ministry (UPDATE 5) (PHOTO)

Details added about rescue works (the first version was posted at 11:17)

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.11 / Trend, I.Izzet, E.Mehdiyev /

A military helicopter Mi-17 that fell into the Caspian Sea near the Salyan highway (Shikhov settlement) on Monday belongs to Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, the Defence Ministry said.

According to the report, as a result of rescue works, one of those who were on board was found dead. At present, rescue works are underway for two others.

Baku City Ambulance and Emergency Station confirmed the death of one of those who were on board.

Names of those who were on board are not disclosed yet.

Garadag District Police Department confirmed the fact of helicopter crash.
As Trend correspondent reported from the scene, according to the preliminary data, the crash was due to poor visibility caused by dense fog. The helicopter fell into the sea at a distance of 300 meters from the shore. Four ships are involved in the rescue operation. According to witnesses, an explosion was heard when the helicopter crashed. Two helicopters of the Emergency Situations Ministry and one military helicopter are conducting rescue work.

Information that the crashed helicopter was a civil one is not confirmed by any of the operators (SOCAR, SW Helicopter Services) of civil helicopters in Azerbaijan. BP company does not use helicopters to transport personnel, as they are delivered to the platform by ships.

Four ambulances are sent to the scene, Baku City Ambulance and Emergency Station told Trend.

According to the State Border Service, the crashed helicopter does not belong to the Service.

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