Three individuals were killed when a helicopter crashed while on a firefighting operation in the US state of California.
The event occurred on Sunday evening, when firefighters were dispatched to a fire in Cabazon, Riverside County.
The two helicopters clashed, and one landed safely while the other crashed into the earth, killing everyone on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an inquiry into the cause of the disaster.
A fire captain and division head from the state’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), as well as a contractual pilot, were among those killed. They have not been identified.
The incident was termed a “tragic loss” by David Fulcher, Cal Fire’s southern area head.
“Three great people have passed away.” He mentioned three dads, three husbands, three buddies, and three sons.
“Daughters have lost fathers; sons have lost fathers.”
Mr. Fulcher stated during a news conference that the fire started in a structure but quickly spread to the surrounding forest.
A four-acre fire was also started as a result of the incident. All of the flames were subsequently put out.
The wrecked helicopter was a Bell helicopter that was being used for surveillance. The helicopter that successfully landed was a Sikorsky Skycrane, which usually transports fire retardant or water. Cal Fire had hired both of them.
According to Cal Fire records, these are the first deaths of the 2023 fire season.
