Seven Dead in San Juan Helicopter Crash During Firefighting Training

Seven people died after a Bell 412EP helicopter crashed in the Parque Provincial Ischigualasto in San Juan on Wednesday. The victims included four provincial officials: Carlos Heredia, director of Civil Protection; Germán Videla, police sub-chief; Rubén Castro, fire chief; and Jorge Carbajal, second fire chief. Also killed were pilot Matías Valenzuela and Agencia Federal de Emergencias members Andrés Bosch and Rodrigo Aimetta.

The aircraft was participating in forest fire fighting training organized and funded by the Agencia Federal de Emergencias before its planned trip to La Rioja to assist with active fires. The wreckage was located in the Quebrada de la Chilca, a remote area of difficult access. Recovery efforts required personnel from Gendarmería Nacional and other agencies to walk approximately 15 kilometers on foot to reach the site and transport the bodies back via stretchers.

Aviation experts suggest that a sudden loss of visibility caused by fog may have led to pilot disorientation in the mountainous region, which can result in a loss of control within seconds. The aircraft was owned by Jasfly S.A. and is described as a reliable model for firefighting missions; however, specialists noted that operating in mountains remains high risk regardless of equipment.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is being conducted by the Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte. Additionally, Federal Prosecutor Francisco Maldonado is leading the investigation to determine any potential criminal responsibilities.