EU force helicopter crash kills four in Bosnia
Four Italian nationals have been killed after a CH-47 Chinook helicopter belonging to the European Union Force in Bosnia (EUFOR) crashed during a routine training operation in the Brcko region.
The helicopter crashed during a training operation in the Brcko region, about 180km (110 miles) north of Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo. Bosnian media published photos showing the wreckage overturned on the ground in a flat field.
A spokesman for Brcko hospital confirmed that 15 people were on board at the time of the crash. Twelve were transported to the hospital, with a fourth person later succumbing to injuries, bringing the death toll to four.
Victims Identified
The Italian government confirmed that all those on board were Italian nationals. The victims were identified as two soldiers and two Red Cross volunteers, according to the Italian defence ministry.
At this moment of immense grief, my thoughts go first and foremost to the families of our fallen, to whom I extend my personal condolences and those of the entire defence establishment.
Investigation Launched
EUFOR announced it is conducting a full and thorough investigation of the incident and will release more information as it is verified. The force has been deployed in Bosnia since 2004, overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the Bosnian War.
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