An Ethiopian military helicopter crashed on Thursday, killing all 18 people on board, the state-affiliated Fana Broadcast Corporate reported.

The aircraft crashed on a flight between the eastern city of Dire Dawa and Bishoftu in the centre of the country, the agency said.

Everyone on board – 15 soldiers and three civilians – were killed.

The helicopter belonged to the Ethiopian Defense Ministry, according to the Fana TV channel

There were no immediate details about the cause of the crash, or what type of helicopter was involved.

Ethiopia fields a number of Mi-17 utility helicopters, also known as the Mi-8. (NAN)