During a routine training exercise, an Italian CH‑47 Chinook helicopter, part of the European Union mission Eufor Althea, departed from its base in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The flight was scheduled to cover roughly 180 kilometres northeast toward the Brčko region, near the village of Gorice, an area close to the Croatian border. The mission’s purpose is to support the implementation of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement and to help maintain security in the region.
While en route, the helicopter crashed near Gorice. The impact caused the aircraft to come to an abrupt stop, and a fire broke out at the crash site.
WATCH: The moment an Italian military CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed in Bosnia and Herzegovina today. https://t.co/DeyuyWx6Du
Four crew members were killed and eleven others were injured. Details about the victims have not been released publicly.
The incident highlights the need for rigorous safety measures, thorough training, and reliable equipment.
Authorities from the Italian military and the EU mission have opened an investigation into the cause of the accident. Experts are working together to gather evidence and testimony from the scene.
Three Dead, 12 Injured As Italian Military Helicopter Crashes In Bosnia | Sahara Reporter https://t.co/lECu0hwclC https://t.co/NHjWq16EO5
The incident affects the EU mission Eufor Althea, which has been operating since 2004 to monitor compliance with the Dayton Accords and to promote stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The loss of personnel has raised concerns about operational safety.
Kaja Kallas expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in an EUFOR helicopter crash near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. EUFOR personnel serve every day to support peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina; their work remains vital. Europe stands in full solidarity with Italy at this difficult time. We remain in close contact with the EUFOR Commander and our EU representatives on the ground."
Four people were killed and 11 others injured after an Italian military helicopter operating with the EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina crashed on Thursday. https://t.co/wMAUl7S5f9
The crash underscores the risks faced by peacekeeping forces operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a region that, while relatively stable, continues to confront economic and political challenges. The incident highlights the need for rigorous safety measures, thorough training, and reliable equipment.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on supporting the families of the deceased and providing medical care to the injured. The Italian military and the EU mission are coordinating efforts to maintain operational continuity while reviewing safety protocols.
The crash of the Italian CH‑47 Chinook near Gorice has sent shockwaves through the region and the EU mission Eufor Althea. The loss of four lives and the injuries sustained emphasize the dangers inherent in peacekeeping operations. Ongoing investigations will aim to determine the cause and to improve safety for future missions.