Chiara Nava An Italian Army CH-47F Chinook helicopter, engaged in the international mission EUFOR Althea, crashed near Brčko, northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to information released in the hours following the crash, four people were killed and twelve injured . The cause of the crash is still unclear, and investigations are ongoing to reconstruct the events.
The crash near Brčko: Rescue efforts and death toll
The helicopter crashed in the Gorice area, near Brčko, in an uninhabited area but not far from the first residential areas. Confirming the initial death toll was Brčko District Mayor Siniša Milić, who reported that the injured were being treated at a local hospital, adding that some may be transferred to other hospitals.
Firefighters, civil defense personnel, and medical personnel responded to the scene. Rescue and safety operations proved particularly delicate due to the significant amount of kerosene that had leaked from the aircraft. For this reason, firefighters remained in the area to prevent any fires or explosions.
The victims and the investigation into the causes of the accident
Among the victims aboard the helicopter that crashed in Bosnia are reportedly civilians. Among them are two Red Cross workers, as reported by some sources. No further information has yet been released on the identities of the four victims and the injured.
Mayor Milić explained that, since the aircraft was engaged in an international mission, an investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances of the accident and identify its causes. The Italian Ministry of Defense also confirmed the helicopter crash, specifying that information about the personnel involved was being verified.
The CH-47F Chinook is a heavy transport helicopter used by the Italian Army for various missions. The aircraft was deployed as part of EUFOR Althea, the European Union operation active in Bosnia and Herzegovina to contribute to maintaining a safe and stable environment in the country.
At this time, both the crash dynamics and the circumstances surrounding the people on board remain unclear. Authorities have urged people to avoid disseminating unverified reports, pending further official announcements.