BUENOS AIRES, At least seven people were killed after a firefighting helicopter crashed in Argentina’s western San Juan province on Wednesday while on its way to assist efforts to contain a forest fire, local authorities said.
The aircraft, a Bell 412 helicopter, was being used in wildfire response operations in San Juan’s Ischigualasto Natural Park before it departed for the neighboring La Rioja province to support firefighting efforts.
San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego expressed his condolences following the tragedy.
“With profound sorrow we received the news of the helicopter accident that occurred in our province, in which seven people sadly lost their lives,” the governor said in a statement posted on X.
According to provincial officials, those killed included firefighters, police officers, and civil protection personnel who were taking part in emergency operations.
Emergency services reported that the helicopter lost contact with its base on Wednesday morning while en route to La Rioja, where authorities were battling a forest fire.
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A government statement confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet disclosed whether adverse weather, technical failure, or other factors contributed to the accident.
The fatal incident marks a significant loss for Argentina’s emergency response teams, who continue to battle seasonal wildfires in several parts of the country.
