Seven dead after helicopter crashes during firefighting mission in Argentina

Published on 30/07/2026 - 13:48 GMT+2

Seven people were killed on Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Argentina's province of San Juan.

"With profound sorrow, we received the news of the helicopter accident that occurred in our province, in which seven people sadly lost their lives," San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego wrote on X.

Fatalities included firefighters, police officers and civil protection personnel, he said. The causes of the accident were under investigation and a rescue team had been deployed, emergency services stated.

The Bell 412 aircraft had been training before heading to a neighbouring province to help put out days-long fires when it crashed in Ischigualasto natural park.

The aircraft lost contact with control teams at 10:26 am, according to the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE).

Another aircraft operating in the area managed to locate the crash site and alerted the authorities, who launched an emergency operation. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva expressed her condolences on X, writing "I stand with each of the families and their fellow officers in this moment of profound grief."

San Juan's local government declared three days of mourning following the accident, during which the national and provincial flags will be flown at half-mast.

As a consequence of the accident, the Ischigualasto Provincial Park announced on its social media accounts the suspension of all activities planned for Wednesday "for reasons beyond its control".