Four Italian military personnel were killed and 11 others were injured when an Italian army helicopter crashed in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, according to Italy's Defence Ministry.
Among the deceased were Italian army Sergeants Simone Ruggia and Claudio Marchesi, as well as Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci of the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Military Corps. Italy's Defence Ministry confirmed that none of the 11 injured personnel were in life-threatening condition. A medical team from Italy was dispatched to provide assistance to the wounded.
EUFOR stated the aircraft was performing a routine training activity at the time of the accident. The European Union Force, which oversees the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, deployed the aircraft as part of Operation Althea. EUFOR said a full investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the crash.
Italy's defence ministry stated that inquiries were underway to establish the circumstances of the accident.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said, "At this moment of immense grief, my thoughts go first and foremost to the families of our fallen, to whom I extend my personal condolences and those of the entire Defence establishment."
Crosetto added, "There are no words capable of easing such a profound loss."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, "My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those who, as part of the mission to promote peace and stability in the region are experiencing hours of anguish."
