Rescue Helicopter Lands On Klyuchevskoy Volcano, Ascent To Tourists Underway

A helicopter carrying rescuers has finally landed on the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano, where at least eight tourists have died while trying to ascend the mountain in bad weather conditions, the regional emergency authorities said.

"A Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian Emergencies Ministry has delivered the personnel of the search and rescue squad to the Klyuchevskoy volcano at the height of 1,663 meters (1 mile). Landing at a greater height was not possible due to strong winds and ash," the Kamchatka Territory regional emergency service said in a statement on Monday.

A group of 10 tourists with two guides (12 people in total) sent an appeal for help on Saturday while ascending the Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano - the highest mountain of Siberia and the highest active volcano of Eurasia. Initial reports said that five people died after falling down a cliff, one tourist was injured and was unconscious.

One of the guides broke his leg.