Four people were killed and 11 others injured after an Italian military helicopter crashed during a European Union peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Italy’s Defence Ministry confirmed that 15 people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed near the village of Gorice in the Brcko district.
Italian Soldiers and Red Cross Personnel Among Victims
Authorities identified the deceased as two Italian Army personnel and two members of the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Military Corps.
All 11 injured personnel received medical treatment. Officials confirmed that none were in life-threatening condition.
Two injured individuals were transferred to a hospital in Tuzla, while nine remained under medical care in Brcko.
Helicopter Crashes During Routine Military Training
The aircraft, identified as an Italian CH-47 Chinook helicopter, was conducting routine training operations when the accident occurred.
Local media photographs showed the helicopter overturned and severely damaged.
Emergency responders reached the crash site and transported survivors to nearby medical facilities.
The European Union Force (EUFOR) confirmed that no civilians were injured and no civilian property was damaged.
Italy Orders Investigation Into Helicopter Crash
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed condolences to the victims’ families and colleagues.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The helicopter was operating under EUFOR’s Operation Althea, which supports peace and security in Bosnia.
The mission began in 2004, replacing NATO-led peacekeeping operations.
It oversees military provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended Bosnia’s 1992–1995 war.
Investigators have not yet established what caused the fatal accident.
