Helicopter crashes during firefighting drill in Argentina, seven dead

A tragic aviation accident occurred in Argentina, where a helicopter engaged in a wildfire fighting drill crashed in Ischigualasto Provincial Park, in San Juan province.

According to local authorities, all seven people on board lost their lives.

The helicopter crashed in a hard-to-reach area, and its location was only identified after the emergency signal was activated.

Argentina’s Ministry of Security announced that rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to conduct search operations. The last contact with the helicopter was recorded at 10:26 local time, through the emergency signal.

Subsequently, a second helicopter arrived in the area and identified the wreckage, confirming the tragedy.

Authorities clarified that the helicopter was part of a drill for tackling forest fires. On board were the chief of firefighters of San Juan province and his deputy, the provincial Civil Protection director, the deputy chief of San Juan Police, two firefighters, and the pilot.

The causes of the accident are still unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the helicopter crash.