Seven people have died after a firefighting helicopter crashed while on a wildfire fighting training course in western Argentina. The Bell 412 aircraft came down in San Juan province on Wednesday after losing contact with air traffic control shortly before 10.30am local time.
Crash Details
Authorities said the helicopter had been flying at an altitude of around 4,000 metres above sea level. The helicopter was taking part in a wildfire firefighting training programme before heading to neighbouring La Rioja province to help tackle an active wildfire. Officials said weather conditions were favourable and posed no risk to the flight.
Governor's Statement
San Juan Province Governor Marcelo Orrego confirmed the tragedy in a post on X, writing: "With profound sorrow we received the news of the helicopter accident that occurred in our province, in which seven people sadly lost their lives."
Victims Identified
Those killed included firefighters, police officers and civil protection personnel. San Juan provincial authorities identified the victims as deputy chief of police Marcelo Videla, provincial fire service chief Rubén Castro, civil protection director Carlos Heredia and deputy chief of the provincial fire service Jorge Carbajal.
Investigation
Rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site, which local media described as remote and particularly difficult to access. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The Bell 412 is a twin-engine utility helicopter widely used around the world for firefighting, rescue missions and emergency response.
