Four killed, 11 injured in EU force helicopter crash in Bosnia
Four people were killed and 11 others injured after a helicopter operating with the European Union peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina crashed Thursday in the country's north.
The Italian CH-47 Chinook helicopter went down near the town of Brcko, approximately 180 kilometres northeast of the capital, Sarajevo.
The helicopter was carrying 15 people and was conducting a routine mission in the region, according to the EU peacekeeping force, known as EUFOR.
A spokesperson for Brcko hospital, Salih Ibrahimbegovic, confirmed that three people died at the crash site, while a fourth succumbed to injuries after being transferred to hospital.
"Twelve people were brought to our hospital. Unfortunately, a fourth person died from his injuries in hospital," Ibrahimbegovic said.
Brcko District Mayor Sinisa Milic earlier told Bosnian Serb broadcaster RTRS that three people had been killed and 12 received medical treatment, including one person in critical condition.
Media footage showed the wreckage of the helicopter lying on flat grassy terrain near the village of Gorica, close to Brcko.
Investigation launched into crash
EUFOR confirmed the incident, saying the helicopter had been carrying out a routine mission when it crashed.
An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances and cause of the accident, with the force saying further information would be released as it becomes available.
EUFOR also said no civilian infrastructure, property or vehicles had been damaged and that no civilians were injured.
EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia
EUFOR's mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in 2004, taking over from NATO to help maintain security and oversee the military provisions of the peace agreement that ended the 1992-1995 Bosnian War.
The operation functions under a United Nations Security Council mandate and currently comprises several hundred troops from 24 European countries.
The mission's overall strength is approximately 1,200 personnel, reflecting the EU's continued role in maintaining stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source:DailySabah
