Seven killed in Argentine firefighting helicopter crash during training mission

Seven people have been killed after a firefighting helicopter crashed during a training flight in western Argentina, shortly before it was due to be deployed to combat major wildfires in the neighbouring province of La Rioja.

The accident occurred on Wednesday morning in the rugged Ischigualasto Natural Park in San Juan Province. According to emergency services, the Bell 412EP helicopter (tail number LV-KGR) lost contact with its base at around 10:30 local time while conducting a training exercise ahead of its planned firefighting mission.

San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego confirmed that all seven occupants were killed in the crash. The victims included firefighters, police officers and members of Argentina’s Civil Protection service.

“With profound sorrow, we received the news of the helicopter accident that occurred in our province, in which seven people sadly lost their lives,” Orrego said, announcing three days of official mourning across the province. National and provincial flags will be flown at half-mast.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Rescue teams were dispatched to the remote crash site shortly after the aircraft disappeared from radar and communications.

Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva also expressed her condolences, saying she stood with the victims’ families and colleagues during “this moment of profound grief.“

Local media reported that the helicopter was completely destroyed on impact. Journalist Mauricio Dávila, citing rescue personnel at the scene, described the wreckage as having “shattered into a thousand pieces.”

The helicopter had been preparing to support firefighting efforts in La Rioja Province, where several wildfires have been burning since the beginning of the week. Hundreds of hectares of vegetation have already been destroyed as firefighters continue battling blazes across the mountainous, semi-arid region.

The Bell 412 is a widely used twin-engine utility helicopter employed around the world for firefighting, search and rescue, law enforcement and military operations. Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records and flight data to determine the cause of the accident.

??? ARGENTINE | Drame lors de la lutte contre les feux de forêt.

?? 7 personnes sont mortes ce mercredi dans le crash d’un hélicoptère engagé dans les opérations de lutte contre les incendies.

?? L’appareil, un Bell 412, avait perdu le contact dans la matinée dans le parc…

— AlertesNewsFR (@AlertesNewsFR24) July 29, 2026