BRČKO DISTRICT, Bosnia and Herzegovina — A routine peacekeeping training exercise turned into a devastating tragedy on Thursday when an Italian military Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, killing four personnel on board and injuring 11 others.
The twin-engine, heavy-lift transport helicopter went down in the Gorice area near Brčko. The aircraft was carrying 15 individuals—all Italian nationals—as part of the European Union Force (EUFOR) Operation Althea, the international peacekeeping mission deployed to maintain security and stability in the region.
Italy’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the four fatalities include two Italian Army personnel—Sergeant Simone Ruggia and Sergeant Claudio Marchesi—alongside Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci of the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Military Corps.
Emergency medical crews responded rapidly to the crash site. Officials confirmed that all 11 survivors sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two of the injured were evacuated to a specialized medical facility in Tuzla, while the remaining nine were treated in Brčko, where all are reported to be in stable condition. A specialized medical team from Italy was also dispatched to assist with care and transport logistics.
EUFOR confirmed that no civilians were harmed, and no ground infrastructure or civilian property was damaged during the impact.
The tragic event sent shockwaves through both Rome and the international peacekeeping community. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared her grief in an official statement, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life.
"My thoughts go to the victims, their families, and all those who, engaged in the mission for peace and stability in the region, are experiencing hours of anguish. To them goes my most sincere closeness, and that of the Italian Government." — Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also extended his condolences to the families of the fallen, honoring their dedication to international peace efforts.
EUFOR command has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the technical or environmental factors that led to the crash. While early reports indicate the crew was conducting a standard flight profile during the routine training exercise, investigators are examining flight data records and wreckage to piece together the helicopter's final moments.
Operation Althea, which transitioned control from NATO forces in 2004, relies heavily on international contingents to oversee peace agreements and regional security. Italy remains a primary contributor to EUFOR operations in the Western Balkans.
Published by Banx Network. This article is part of the Banx decentralized media programme, powered by the BXE token on the XRP Ledger.
