The Russian embassy in Dushanbe is currently investigating the causes of a crash landing of a Mi-8 helicopter, reportedly carrying 13 Russian citizens on board, in the mountains of Tajikistan, the embassy told TASS on Monday.

"The embassy is working on this issue," the diplomatic mission informed. They did not confirm whether the helicopter was carrying Russian citizens.

According to the Khovar news agency, a special commission was created, consisting of heads of the Committee for Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Interior, the State Committee for National Security, the Defense Ministry, the Ministry of Health and other institutions. Two helicopters have been sent to the crash site carrying rescue teams and medical workers.

Earlier, the Tajik media reported that on Sunday, at about 16:30 local time (14:30 Moscow time) a Russian Mi-8 helicopter performed a crash landing in the mountains while transporting climbers. According to the local media, there were 13 Russian tourists on board, one Belarussian citizen and one Spanish resident, as well as three members of the crew, all citizens of Tajikistan. The media reports of casualties and injuries among tourists.