An Italian CH-47 helicopter , deployed as part of Operation Eufor-Althea, crashed in Bosnia-Herzegovina for reasons still under investigation. Four Italian soldiers were killed and eleven injured. Among the victims were two specialists from the Viterbo training center, a doctor, and a Red Cross nurse.
No members of the Sassari Brigade were involved in the incident in question. A contingent of approximately 150 soldiers, based on the 151st "Sassari" Infantry Regiment, is currently deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the European Union's EUFOR Althea mission.
The soldiers of the Sassari Brigade left in June and will conclude their mission with their return to Italy, scheduled for January.
The victims
The pilot and the specialist from the Viterbo training center, the doctor and the Red Cross nurse lost their lives.
The two military personnel in command were serving at the Army Aviation Command (AVES) in Viterbo. They are Sergeant Simone Ruggia and Sergeant Claudio Marchesi . Both were stationed in the First 'Antares' Regiment of the Training Center, the facility that, with volunteer personnel, provides training and education to pilots and technicians and develops aircraft operation techniques. The organization also provides "capability packages" needed by Land Operational Forces at home and in overseas theaters.
The other two victims belong to the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Military Corps. They are Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci . They are a doctor and a nurse. One of the victims is believed to be from Orvieto. Another Red Cross worker—a member of the medical evacuation team—was injured.
The helicopter reportedly departed from Viterbo yesterday morning and, after a stopover at Pratica di Mare military airport, reached Bosnia. The aircraft, a CH-47, deployed as part of Operation EUFOR Althea, reportedly crashed during one of its daily training operations.
Condolences
"I learned with deep sadness of the death of the soldiers," wrote President Sergio Mattarella in a message to the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Portolano, "in the tragic helicopter crash in the Bosnian theater of operations as part of Operation Althea." "On this sad occasion," the Head of State added, "I would like to convey to the Italian Army and the Red Cross Military Corps my condolences and heartfelt solidarity in the pain caused by this tragic event, asking them to express my closeness and solidarity to the families of the victims."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "deepest sorrow" over the incident in a social media post : "The news of the tragic accident involving an Italian EUFOR helicopter in Bosnia-Herzegovina is a cause for profound sorrow. My thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all those engaged in the mission for peace and stability in the region who are experiencing hours of anguish. My deepest sympathy and that of the Italian government go out to them," the Prime Minister commented.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed "immense sorrow" for the incident, specifying that the injuries are not in danger of dying: "In this moment of immense pain, my thoughts go first and foremost to the families of our fallen, to whom I express my personal condolences and those of the entire Defense Department. There are no words capable of making up for such a great loss. The eleven injured are receiving the necessary treatment, and at this time, none of their lives are in danger." The Defense Department immediately dispatched an Italian medical team to ensure the injured receive the maximum support and best possible care.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed his "deep sorrow." "I stand with our armed forces for the tragedy that occurred in Bosnia. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. A terrible tragedy that shakes the hearts of all Italians," Tajani added.
(Unioneonline)
