Ukraine helicopter crash: rescue operation completed, 14 dead, including Interior Ministry leadership and 1 child

A rescue operation at the helicopter crash site in the Kyiv region has been completed, Ukraine’s national emergency service reported.

The tragedy claimed 14 lives, including one child. Moreover, 25 people were injured with 11 children among them.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry leadership also died in the crash, including Minister Denys Monastyrsky, his first deputy, and several other top ministry officials. Three helicopter crew members also died.

The Ukrainian government appointed head of the national police Ihor Klymenko acting interior minister in place of Monastyrsky.

The helicopter crashed in Brovary, Kyiv region, near a pre-school this morning, causing a fire. The children were promptly evacuated. Initial reports put the death toll at 18, 29 more people were said to be injured.