Three folks have been killed after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air whereas battling a blaze in Riverside County in Southern California.
The tragic accident unfolded when emergency hearth companies had been dispatched to a reported construction hearth close to the intersection of Broadway Street and South Ronda Avenue locally of Cabazon, authorities stated
After the arrival of the primary engine firm, the fireplace was reported to have prolonged into the vegetation and a full wildland hearth dispatch was initiated, which included fixed-wing and rotary-wing plane.
Two helicopters had been working to place out the blaze when the aircrafts collided within the air.
One of the helicopters crashed right into a hillside, killing all three folks – the pilot and two crew members – on board.
Meanwhile, the second plane managed to land safely, making a tough touchdown with no severe accidents.
In a press convention on Monday, Cal Fire Southern Region Chief David Fulcher stated: “Unfortunately, the second helicopter crashed and tragically all three members perished which included one Cal Fire Division chief, one Cal Fire captain and one contract client pilot.”
Chief Fulcher stated the crash brought on an “additional” four-acre hearth, which was later extinguished.
“I would like to express our deepest sympathies and sorrow to the family, co-workers and personnel,” Chief Fulcher added, saying it was a “tragic loss” for the group and the fireplace departments.
Three folks had been killed after two firefighting helicopters collided in Southern California
(AP)
“Although this was a tragic event, we are also thankful today that it wasn’t worse,” he stated.
“The individuals in the first helicopter were able to able to land safely without incident and no one else was hurt.”
He added: “We think about this and how it affects the families. They have lost, we have lost, three great individuals.”
Officials have met with two of the households that misplaced their family members and are as a result of meet with the third.
The victims haven’t but been recognized and the crash is at present being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Associated Press contributed to this report