Seven people were killed when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Argentina’s western San Juan province.
Local officials confirmed the accident on Wednesday (July 29) local time.
According to authorities, the Bell 412 model helicopter was being used to control wildfires in Ischigualasto Natural Park in San Juan.
Marcelo Orrego, the governor of San Juan, wrote on social media X, “With deep sadness we learned of the helicopter crash that happened in our province, where unfortunately seven people lost their lives.” Firefighters, police officers and civil defense personnel were among the dead.
Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said, “I am with each family and their colleagues in this moment of deep mourning.”
The helicopter was on its way to help control wildfires in the neighboring province of La Rioja. The cause of the accident is under investigation and a rescue team has been dispatched, the emergency services department said.
The local government of San Juan has declared three days of mourning in the wake of the accident, during which national and provincial flags will be flown at half-mast.
La Rioja, a semi-arid region roughly the size of Austria, has been battling several wildfires in its mountainous region since earlier in the week. Hundreds of hectares have burned in just three days, local firefighters told AFP.
Seven people were killed when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Argentina’s western San Juan province.
Local officials confirmed the accident on Wednesday (July 29) local time.
According to authorities, the Bell 412 model helicopter was being used to control wildfires in Ischigualasto Natural Park in San Juan.
Marcelo Orrego, the governor of San Juan, wrote on social media X, “With deep sadness we learned of the helicopter crash that happened in our province, where unfortunately seven people lost their lives.” Firefighters, police officers and civil defense personnel were among the dead.
Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said, “I am with each family and their colleagues in this moment of deep mourning.”
The helicopter was on its way to help control wildfires in the neighboring province of La Rioja. The cause of the accident is under investigation and a rescue team has been dispatched, the emergency services department said.
The local government of San Juan has declared three days of mourning in the wake of the accident, during which national and provincial flags will be flown at half-mast.
La Rioja, a semi-arid region roughly the size of Austria, has been battling several wildfires in its mountainous region since earlier in the week. Hundreds of hectares have burned in just three days, local firefighters told AFP.
TimesBD/ rabbi
