Two people miraculously survived when their fire fighting helicopter crashed to the ground and caught fire.
The pilots were trying to land at an airport after fighting a nearby wildfire yesterday (22 Jul).
Horror footage shows how the Erickson S-64F Skycrane shed debris as it flipped and landed on the tarmac with a thud.
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Seconds later, a fire started burning amid the wreckage, sending a plume of black smoke into the sky.
Despite the heavy damage sustained by the aircraft, both pilots miraculously survived.
Local media say they managed to exit the chopper moments before it overturned.
They were helped to safety by firefighters, who secured the accident area.
The pilots were taken to a local hospital in stable condition, “just for evaluations,” according to the fire brigade.
One was reportedly unharmed.
The other sustained minor injuries but is expected to make a full recovery, as reported on Need To Know.
The crash caused the closure of Reggio Calabria Airport, near Sicily, Italy.
Inbound flights were diverted to other airports.
It’s currently believed the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, which the pilots had noticed in time.
An investigation is underway to determine the true cause of the crash.
Calabria president Roberto Occhiuto: “Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the two firefighters involved in a frightening incident near Reggio Calabria Airport.
“The helicopter they were using to tackle the fires currently raging in Calabria and other regions of Italy was affected by the accident.
“I want to thank once again all the workers who are dedicating themselves with great determination and professionalism, sometimes risking their own lives, to protect the environment and fight against the scourge of fires.”
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