Chinook crash in Bosnia: Four killed during EU peacekeeping mission

Incident near Brcko

An accident involving an Italian military CH-47 Chinook helicopter occurred in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aircraft, which was carrying out a task within the framework of the EU Althea peacekeeping operation, crashed near the city of Brcko. According to Euronews, at least four crew members were killed, and 11 others were injured.

Crash details and condition of the injured

The crash occurred during the day near the village of Gorice, located approximately 180 kilometres north-east of the country's capital, Sarajevo. There were 15 people on board the helicopter.

Salih Ibrahimbegovic, a spokesperson for the local hospital in Brcko, reported that three people died at the crash site. Another victim died in the medical facility where 12 injured people were hospitalised.

Peacekeepers' statement and causes

Representatives of the EUFOR mission emphasised that no civilians were injured as a result of the incident. No damage to buildings or vehicles was recorded either. The cause of the crash is currently unknown; an investigation will be conducted to establish it.

The peacekeeping mission called on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely exclusively on official statements.

Context of the Althea mission

The EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been operational since 2004, when it took over security responsibilities from NATO. It comprises approximately 1,200 military personnel.

The mission operates under a mandate from the UN Security Council. Its primary task is to monitor the implementation of the military provisions of the peace agreement that ended the 1992–1995 conflict.