Search operation ends in fatal tragedy! Six rescuers die during helicopter mission

Ouro Preto (Brazil) - All six occupants of a firedepartment helicopter have died in a crash in south-eastern Brazil.

A video circulating on social media is said to show the helicopter shortly before the accident.
A video circulating on social media is said to show the helicopter shortly before the accident.  © Screenshot/X, Por Dentro de Minas

The helicopter crashed after helping to search for a single-engine plane that had crashed in Ouro Preto in the state of Minas Gerais, according to media reports.

"They are victims of an accident while carrying out their noble rescue mission in Ouro Preto. My sympathies and prayers are with their families and friends at this difficult time," said the Governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, via Platform X.

According to the fire department, the helicopter was found after a twelve-hour search in a steep mountain range in a wooded area near the crash site of the single-engine aircraft. The crew consisted of four firefighters, a nurse and a doctor.

The pilot was reportedly killed in the accident involving the single-engine aircraft, which occurred on Friday afternoon. The cause of the two accidents was not yet known.