Ukraine minister kills 18 in helicopter crash near Kyiv | World News

Eighteen people, including Ukraine’s interior minister, were killed when a helicopter crashed at a daycare on the outskirts of Kyiv, authorities said.

Images from the scene showed huge flames and thick smoke rising into the sky in the city of Brovari, northeast of the capital.

Those killed included Minister Denis Monastersky and First Deputy Minister Yevhen Yenin, as well as three children.

Kyiv region governor Oleksiy Kuleba said 29 other people were injured in the crash, including 15 children.

Video footage from the scene, which Ukrainian police said showed a large area of ​​the suburb where the plane crashed was on fire.

Mr Kuleba added: “The agency’s children and staff were in kindergarten when the tragedy happened.

“Everyone is evacuated now.”

Ambulance services, police and firefighters are at the scene.

Mr. Monastirsky, who heads Ukraine’s police and other emergency services, is the most senior Ukrainian official to be killed since the war with Russia began nearly 11 months ago.

“Interior Minister Denis Monastrsky, his first deputy Yevhen Yenin and State Secretary of the Ministry Yuri Lubkovich today Died in the Kyiv region.

“My colleagues, my friends. What a tragic loss. Deepest condolences to their families.”

Mr Monastyrskyi was the highest-ranking Ukrainian official killed since the war with Russia began last February.

There was no immediate information on the cause of the crash.

First lady Olena Zelenska was seen wiping her eyes shortly before attending a World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

“Today is another very sad day – new loss,” she said.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson described Mr Monastyrsky as a “hero”.

“I am devastated by the news of the passing of Denys Monastyrsky, Yevhen Yenin and Yurii Lubkovich. My condolences to the families of all victims of this tragedy. Denys was a true Ukrainian hero – he Lead us with courage and stoicism,” she tweeted.

“He was a friend of mine. It has been a privilege to have worked with him over the past year. The loss will be felt by the EUHomeAffairs community and the Ministry of Home Affairs in all 27 capitals. We will continue our work, helping Ukrainians and helping Ukraine, to In memory of Denis. Slava Ukrainian”