Top Emergency Service official arrested over interior ministry helicopter crash

Ivan Korobets, the head of the Aviation and Aviation Search and Rescue Department of the State Emergency Service (DSNS), has been arrested and detained for two months in connection with the January 18 helicopter crash in Brovary that claimed the lives of several senior Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) officials, including Minister Denys Monastyrskyi

The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) had previously notified five DSNS officials that they were suspected of involvement in the disaster, Ukrainian national broadcaster Suspilne reported on August 4.

Fourteen people were killed in the disaster, including Monastyrskyi, his deputy Yevhen Yenin, and the MIA’s Secretary, Yurii Lubkovych, who were en route to a mission in Kharkiv Oblast. A child on the ground was also killed in the incident.

Read also: Searches at ex-interior minister Avakov’s house linked to Brovary helicopter crash

The investigation revealed that the DSNS officials “flagrantly violated the rules of traffic safety and operation of air transport,” resulting in the tragic loss of lives. The pre-trial investigation reconstructed the events leading up to the accident, including the decryption of the helicopter’s black box.

Reportedly, the DSNS officials, despite internal warnings and legal restrictions, utilized a helicopter that was on standby for potential emergency situations in Kyiv and the surrounding oblast to transport the MIA delegation. However, the aircraft lacked the necessary permits for such flights.

The Prosecutor General’s Office disclosed that during flight preparations, the crew commander was not informed about meteorological data along the planned route, particularly the extremely unfavorable weather conditions over the town of Brovary.

Moreover, the crew lacked the required authorizations and certifications for flying in adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, no officials responsible for flight safety canceled or postponed the departure until favorable weather conditions occurred.

Read also: Ukrainian PM submits motion to tap Klymenko as interior minister

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine