A Bell 412 helicopter crashed in Argentina's San Juan province while en route to assist with wildfires, killing all seven people on board. The victims included firefighters, police officers, and civil protection personnel.
The crash highlights the inherent risks faced by emergency personnel during wildfire suppression efforts and underscores the importance of aviation safety in critical operations.
A Bell 412 helicopter crashed in Argentina's San Juan province on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of all seven individuals on board. The victims included firefighters, police officers, and civil protection personnel. The aircraft was en route to the neighboring province of La Rioja to assist in combating ongoing wildfires when the accident occurred.
According to the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE), the helicopter lost contact with control teams at 10:26 am. Another aircraft operating in the vicinity located the crash site in the Ischigualasto natural park, prompting an emergency response. The exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego expressed profound sorrow over the incident, and Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva extended condolences to the families of the victims. In response to the tragedy, the local government of San Juan declared three days of mourning, during which the national and provincial flags will be flown at half-mast. The Ischigualasto Provincial Park also announced the suspension of all planned activities for Wednesday due to the incident.