China rescuers search for crashed mission helicopter

Chengdu: Chinese rescuers searched on Monday for a military helicopter that crashed while carrying injured earthquake survivors, state media reported.

The helicopter was carrying 14 survivors and medical workers and five crew members when it crashed near Yingxiu on Saturday.

The helicopter was still missing on Monday and no one on board had been found, the Xinhua news agency reported.

China has mobilised its military to unblock roads, clear rubble and deliver food, water and tents to millions displaced by the May 12 earthquake.

As of June 1, officials said the earthquake had killed more than 69,000 people, with nearly 19,000 missing and around 368,500 injured, Xinhua reported.