16 Missing in Russian Helicopter Crash

Russian Emergencies Ministry officials say 16 people are missing following a helicopter crash.

Officials say two people were rescued after the Mi-8 helicopter crashed into a lake Saturday in Russia's northwestern Murmansk region.

Authorities say the aircraft was carrying regional government officials and businessmen.

The French news agency reports the helicopter belonged to Apatit, a company that makes fertilizer components.

Aviation crashes are frequent in Russia and are often blamed on aging aircraft and poor maintenance.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.