3 killed as firefighting helicopter crashes after midair collision in Southern California

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least three people were killed when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Southern California on Sunday after a midair collision with another helicopter responding to the same brush fire, local media reported.

Those killed were all three crew aboard, The Mercury News reported, while the other firefighting helicopter landed safely.

On the Bell helicopter that was involved in observation and coordination, the crew members killed were a Cal Fire division chief, a Cal Fire captain, and a contract pilot, confirmed Cal Fire Southern Region Chief David Fulcher.

“While engaged in the firefight, two helicopters collided,” Fulcher said. “Tragically, all three members perished.”

The helicopters were sent to a bush fire near Broadway and Esperanza avenues, where Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department crews were present.

The three-acre Broadway fire's spread was stopped as reported by Cal Fire/Riverside.