Three individuals had been killed in a collision between two helicopters in southern California whereas combating a fireplace in Riverside County, authorities stated Monday.
One of many helicopters managed to land, however the different was not so fortunate. “Sadly, the second helicopter crashed and tragically all three members had been killed,” Southern California Fireplace Chief David Fulcher stated at a information convention Monday.
The crew had been a division chief and captain of the California Fireplace Division, and a contract pilot. Fulcher didn’t determine the victims.
Crews from the state and county hearth departments responded to a report of a burning construction close to the intersection of Broadway Avenue and South Ronda Avenue within the city of Cabazon, Fulcher stated.
Shortly after the primary truck arrived, it was reported that the fireplace had unfold to the vegetation and a deployment towards forest fires started, which included planes and helicopters.
The 2 helicopters collided within the air whereas combating the flames. The collision began one other 1.6-hectare hearth, which was extinguished.
“Whereas this was a tragic occasion, we’re grateful it wasn’t worse,” Fulcher stated. “The individuals within the first helicopter had been capable of land safely with out incident and nobody else was injured.”
The pilot was employed by the California Division of Forestry and Fireplace Safety, spokesman and hearth Captain Richard Cordova stated Sunday evening.
The US Nationwide Transportation Security Board was investigating the accident.
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