No survivors after UN helicopter crashes in Sierra Leone

A United Nations mission helicopter carrying about two dozen people from Hastings to Yengema in Sierra Leone crashed into a hillside today, with no survivors.

Reacting to the tragedy, Secretary-General Kofi Annan sent condolences to the families of the victims and paid tribute to all who have lost their lives in this and other peacekeeping missions, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said in New York.

The Russian MI-8 aircraft carried at least 21 passengers of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) as well as non-UN workers. Three pilots were also on board, Ms. Okabe said.

The UN has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

A UNAMSIL rescue helicopter was dispatched to the area, but because of the terrain was force to land three kilometres away from the crash site, Ms. Okabe said.