85 killed in Russian helicopter crash in Chechnya

Updated: 19:31, Monday, 19 August 2002

Rebels in the southern Russian republic of Chechnya have claimed they shot down a military helicopter carrying 112 Russian soldiers and airmen.

At least 85 soldiers are known to have been killed.

Russia's Defence Ministry admitted the fatalities, but said the aircraft had made an emergency landing after an engine fire.

The huge helicopter - an Mi-26 - came down outside a military base near the region's capital, Grozny.

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