FIREBALL CRASH Six tourists killed as helicopter crashes after ‘hitting overhead cables while trying to land’ in Siberia

SIX tourists have been killed as a helicopter "hit overhead cables" and crashed in Siberia.

The Mi-8 helicopter crashed and burst into flames in the Altai Republic after getting caught in the wires.

A helicopter has crashed into cables in Siberia killing six tourists

Local media reported that three people are thought to be in critical condition

Emergency services were rushed to the crash site

Local media has reported: "When approaching for landing in the village of Tyungur, Ust-Koksinsky district, the Mi-8 helicopter of Altai Avia hit electrical wires, fell and caught fire."

There were reportedly 15 people on board the helicopter, three of whom were pilots.

Following the crash, three passengers are thought to be in critical condition with eight other people left injured.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed the crash of the helicopter, saying that firefighters are working at the scene of the emergency. 

The deadly crash took place in eastern Russia near the border with Mongolia.

"There are 3 crew members and 12 passengers on board, information about their condition is being specified," the Federal Air Transport Agency said. 

Emergency services dashed to the scene and reported that the burnt helicopter was destroyed.

In horror footage, the chopper is engulfed in flames while black clouds of smoke billow into the sky.

The aircraft can been seen smashed into in pieces on the ground next to the cable line while emergency services assess the situation.

Local reports have stated that eight people were left injured following the crash

The aircraft can been seen smashed into in pieces on the ground next to the cable line