Russian state TV reported that a Russian military helicopter fired on spectators and reportedly injured three people during military exercises in western Russia. The incident took place at the Luzhsky range during the the Zapad 2017 war games, according to reports.
A video captured the moment that two helicopter gunships – identified as Ka-52 “Alligators” – fired rockets at spectators in western Russia. Two vehicles were damaged in the incident and one person in the video can be seen getting knocked down.
The news site 66.ru reported that the incident happened either Sunday or Monday, and that it was in advance of Russian President Vladimir Putin arriving at the war games.
The Russian Defence Ministry’s western military district said in a statement that the helicopter accidentally acquired a target, according to Interfax news agency.
Military officials said that short circuiting led to the helicopter accidentally firing on spectators, including military experts, journalists and foreign military attaches.
Russian military officials confirmed the incident to the Associated Press, but said that no one was hurt.
