Russian helicopter crash kills 19: report

A Russian military helicopter has reportedly crash-landed in the country's northern Yamal region, leaving 19 people dead.

A Mi-8 helicopter lies on the ground after it crashed northeast of Staryi Urengoi in Hassana, Russia. Source: AAP

Nineteen people have been killed and three more are injured after a Russian military helicopter crash-landed in the country's northern Yamal region, news agency TASS reports, citing an unnamed local enforcement official.

"Rescuers that arrived at the site have entered the damaged helicopter, where they found three people in serious condition. According to preliminary data, other 19 passengers were killed," the source said, according to TASS.

The Russian Emergencies Ministry earlier reported that a Mi-8 helicopter crashed 80 kilometres to the north-west of the town of Urengoy in the country's Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District.

According to preliminary data, 22 people were onboard the helicopter, TASS said.

It is believed that the helicopter was transporting oil company employees and was on its way to Urengoy.

Authorities have launched an investigation.