Italian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Sara Eti Castellani has stated that the circumstances surrounding the EUFOR helicopter crash near Brčko remain unclear, but preliminary information suggests that the accident occurred during takeoff from Brčko Airport or shortly afterward.
Castellani made the statement during a live appearance on Italian television channel TG4 on Thursday evening while traveling to the crash site, according to Avaz.
“Unfortunately, this helicopter belonging to the EUFOR Althea military mission crashed in the northeastern part of the country. EUFOR has confirmed that it was an Italian military helicopter,” Castellani said.
The ambassador emphasized that the exact circumstances of the accident had not yet been established.
According to initial reports, the helicopter crashed while taking off from the airport in Brčko.
Four Italian military personnel killed
The Italian Ministry of Defence confirmed that four Italian military personnel lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
The victims included two members of the Italian Army Aviation and two members of the Italian Red Cross Voluntary Military Corps.
EUFOR announces investigation into crash
EUFOR confirmed that the helicopter had been participating in a routine training exercise when the accident occurred.
The mission announced that a detailed investigation would be conducted to establish the exact cause of the crash.
The circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain under investigation.
Source: RTRS
