Chopper carrying China quake survivors crashes

A MILITARY helicopter carrying 19 people, many of them injured in China’s devastating earthquake, crashed in fog and turbulence, and authorities were searching for survivors yesterday.

The Russian-designed Mi-171 transport helicopter crashed in Wenchuan county in China’s southwest, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Xinhua last night said the aircraft was carrying five crew and 14 others, including people with quake injuries.

There was no immediate word on any survivors or casualties. Xinhua said a search-and-rescue operation was under way.