Seven killed in helicopter crash in San Juan Province
Seven dead after a forest fire-fighting helicopter crashes in San Juan Province, confirms Marcelo Orrego. Leer más
A firefighting helicopter conducting operations in Ischigualasto natural park in San Juan province tragically crashed on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, according to a local official. The Bell 412 aircraft, deployed to combat forest fires, was en route to La Rioja Province to assist in extinguishing a blaze when the mishap occurred.
Governor Marcelo Orrego expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that among the casualties were four government officials: Deputy Chief of Police Marcelo Videla, Chief of the provincial fire service Rubén Castro, Director of civil protection Carlos Heredia, and Deputy Chief of the provincial fire service Jorge Carbajal. The victims also included firefighters, police officers, and civil protection personnel.
The helicopter lost contact with base at approximately 10.30am local time on Wednesday, while on its way to the neighboring province for fire control duties. Rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the remote and challenging location where the accident took place. The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation by authorities.
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