Two helicopters, two aircraft flying to bomb Ukraine crash in Russia’s Bryansk region, killing crews

This was reported by the Moscow-based Kommersant newspaper and the Russian information project Baza.

The helicopters and fighters were part of the same air group, Kommersant reports.

The fighters were supposed to launch a missile and bomb strike, and the helicopters were to back them up and pick up the crews if the Su jets were shot down.

The Mi-8 helicopter crashed in the town of Klintsy, Bryansk region; thick smoke is rising in the town center. Local media reports that an explosion occurred before the helicopter crashed, after which it caught fire and fell. Initially, it was reported that the probable cause was an engine fire, but media reports indicate that the helicopter was probably shot down by an anti-aircraft missile, Baza reports. 

The second Mi-8 went down in Unetsky district near the village of Volkustychi. Currently, a cordon has been set up around the crash site. Explosive experts are on their way to the site, as preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter may be mined.

All crew members, 6 people in total, were killed on both helicopters. A Su-34 fighter jet went down in Nizhnyaya village, killing 2 pilots. Another pilot was killed in the Su-35.

It is noted that a 51-year-old woman was injured in the incident - she was hit by debris.

Russian media report that an "interception" plan has been launched in the Bryansk region to search for saboteurs who may be involved in the attack.

 Rescuers are being sent to the site.

• On April 21, the authorities of Bryansk region complained about an "attack by an AFU drone" on a residential building in Klintsy.