Six killed as Ukrainian helicopter crashes in Slovakia

Aircraft likely tried to evade Slovakia's air traffic control system, says Slovak interior minister

BRATISLAVA: At least six people died when a Mi-2 helicopter registered in Ukraine crashed in eastern Slovakia, the EU member's Interior Minister Robert Kalinak said Friday.

He told reporters that the accident likely occurred Wednesday -- when the helicopter crossed the border -- but rescuers only discovered the wreckage near the eastern city of Michalovce on Friday because of thick fog.



"Six victims of the accident have been located so far, Kalinak said. It is unknown how many people were on board, nor what caused the helicopter to crash.

He said the aircraft likely tried to evade Slovakia's air traffic control system: "It was performing dangerous manoeuvres."



Local media reported that the helicopter's passengers likely included smugglers of cigarettes, which cost less in Ukraine than in Slovakia.