Seven dead in Slovakia helicopter crash

A statement from the Ukrainian border guard said the helicopter was "likely" carrying illegal migrants over the European Union's eastern border.

"Two Ukrainian citizens and four nationals from Southeast Asia, including two women, were on board," the statement said.

Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kalinak told reporters that the Mi-2 chopper had been seen making an illegal flight over the border on Wednesday. He said it had performed "dangerous maneuvers" - flying at night in foggy conditions - in an apparent attempt to evade Slovakia's air traffic control system.

Rescuers discovered the wreckage Friday near the eastern Slovakian city of Michalovce, about 35 kilometers (29 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Slovak police suggested the helicopter also may have been used to smuggle cheaper Ukrainian cigarettes over the border. Officials have previously observed gangs using risky means, as well as underground tunnels, to get large quantities of cigarettes across the frontier. In September, a man died in the area while trying to land a small plane.

nm/cmk (AP, Reuters, dpa)