16 Civilian Contractors Lost

A Russian-built Mi-8 helicopter has crashed in Afghanistan, reportedly killing 16 civilian contractors. It's the second such incident involving a helicopter in a week, though the downing of an Mi-26 on Tuesday killing 6 civilians was attributed to possible enemy fire. That has been ruled out by military officials in Sunday's incident. Saturday, an F-15 Eagle went down in Afghanistan, killing it's crew of two.

Mi-8 File Photo

A number of media sources are reporting the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Kandahar Airport. It was reportedly carrying 17 passengers and three crew. No cause for the crash has been immediately determined.

The Russian news agency Interfax said the Mi-8 was owned by the Russian air company Vertikal-T, according to Russia's Federal Air Transportation Agency, Rosaviatsia.

Contractors rely heavily on helicopters for transportation around Afghanistan. Ground transportation is considered extremely dangerous, and workers must cover great distances over very rugged terrain.

The LA Times says there are literally tens of thousands of civilians working in Afghanistan in jobs ranging from construction and food service to quasi-military roles.

FMI: www.centcom.mil