Cyprus crash kills military chiefs

All five people on board were killed in the crash

A helicopter crash in south-western Cyprus has killed the commanders of both the Greek Cypriot national guard and the island's air force.

The aircraft carrying guard commander General Evangelos Florakis and air force chief Vassilis Dervenagas went down near Paphos.

It remains unclear what caused the helicopter, a Bell 206, to crash, but Defence Minister Socratis Hasikos said he had already ordered an investigation.

Three other people on board - two crew members and an unidentified passenger - also died.

Ravine explosion

Mr Hasikos said the team was taking part in a "night exercise" and had set off from Nicosia airport at 0420 AM (0120 GMT).

General Florakis was a Greek national

It lost contact with air traffic control about 35 minutes later. The crash occurred shortly before it reached its destination of Paphos air base.

The helicopter came down in a ravine at Kouklia, where residents reported hearing a large explosion.

General Florakis, a Greek national, took over command of the 15,000-strong national guard two years ago.

Its principal task is manning the ceasefire line which divides the island into Greek Cypriot and Turkish controlled areas. The latter is recognised only by Turkey.

The guard is a conscript force but senior officers are often seconded from the Greek army.

Correspondents say General Florakis was a popular figure among his troops, and was also liked by the public. He had recently appeared on television to appeal against drunk driving.