CALIFORNIA: Three firefighters were killed in a devastating accident in Cabazon, Southern California, as two firefighting helicopters collided during a response operation. The incident occurred late Sunday night.
Chief David Fulcher of CalFire’s Southern Region delivered a somber statement during a press conference, confirming the unfortunate event. “While one helicopter managed to land safely nearby, the second helicopter crashed, leading to the untimely demise of all three crew members,” he revealed.
The victims included a contracted pilot, a division chief from CalFire, and a CalFire captain, Chief Fulcher stated. The helicopters were actively engaged in combatting the Broadway Fire, a blaze that had originated from a structure fire and rapidly spread to nearby vegetation.
Broadway Fire in Cabazon Region of Southern California
Initial reports indicated that by 6 p.m., the Broadway Fire had consumed approximately three acres. The CalFire and Riverside County Fire Department’s joint Twitter account shared updates on the situation, noting that the fire’s advancement was contained shortly after 7 p.m.
In the wake of the helicopter collision, a secondary fire spanning four acres was ignited, but firefighters managed to successfully extinguish it, Chief Fulcher confirmed. Tragically, these fatalities mark the beginning of California’s 2023 fire season, according to data from CalFire.
Chief Fulcher extended heartfelt condolences and expressed deep sorrow for the loss. He conveyed his sympathies, saying, “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and colleagues of the personnel. This loss is truly heart-wrenching for the community, the firefighting fraternity, as well as CalFire and the Riverside County Fire Department.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will undertake a comprehensive investigation into the helicopter crash, Chief Fulcher announced. CNN has reached out to the agency for further insights into the incident. Cabazon, located in Riverside County, stands approximately 90 miles east of Los Angeles.
