DHAKA: At least 16 people were missing after a helicopter believed to be carrying top regional officials and businessmen crashed into a lake in north-western Russia.

Russia police and the emergencies ministry said on Sunday, reports The Straits Times.

According to preliminary information, the Mi-8 helicopter was carrying up to 19 people, five crew and 14 passengers, when it crashed in a remote area in the northwestern Murmansk region on Saturday, a regional police spokeswoman said.

‘Yes, indeed the helicopter is in a lake,’ the spokeswoman told media.

Two people were injured and hospitalised and the rest are considered missing, she added, noting that emergencies officials were looking for survivors.

BDST: 1529 HRS, JUNE 01, 2014