03.08.2026 15:50
A training flight conducted as part of efforts to combat forest fires in Argentina ended in tragedy. Shortly after taking off from the city of San Juan, contact was lost with a Bell 412 helicopter. Teams dispatched to the area determined that the helicopter had crashed, and it was announced that all 7 crew members, including senior police and fire department officials, lost their lives.
A helicopter crash during forest firefighting training in Argentina plunged the country into mourning. A Bell 412 helicopter, which took off from the city of San Juan, lost contact with the tower shortly after takeoff and crashed. All 7 crew members on board the helicopter lost their lives in the accident.
CONTACT LOST SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF
A Bell 412 helicopter, which took off from San Juan at around 10:30 local time, participated in a training flight organized as part of forest firefighting efforts. Radio contact between the helicopter, cruising at an altitude of about 4,000 feet, and the tower was lost shortly after takeoff. Following search operations launched by the teams, it was determined that the helicopter had crashed. Authorities announced that there were no survivors from the accident.
SENIOR FIGURES ALSO LOST THEIR LIVES
In the accident, senior managers of the San Juan Police Force, as well as officials serving in the fire department and civil defense organization, lost their lives. It was reported that among those who died were Deputy General Director of Police Marcelo Videla, Fire Chief Rubén Castro, Civil Defense Director Carlos Heredia, and Deputy Fire Chief Jorge Carbajal.
WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SUITABLE
According to initial assessments, there were no adverse weather conditions in the region at the time of the accident that would have hindered the flight. It was learned that the helicopter was operating as part of a training program organized by the National Firefighting Agency, in which approximately 50 emergency personnel participated. A technical investigation and inquiry have been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.