Two killed in crash of Hungarian military helicopter in Croatia

On Wednesday, a Hungarian military helicopter crashed, killing two and leaving a third crew member missing.

Croatia’s N1 reports that the Hungarian Armed Forces helicopter was taking part in a training exercise in Croatia when it crashed. Two bodies were found, the third crew member is still being sought.

The accident occurred in the Cikola Canyon and the Ministry of Defence said: “The rescue teams have found the wreckage of the helicopter, and during their search they have so far found the bodies of 2 soldiers, while a third is still being searched. The Ministry of Defence has immediately begun to inform the families, and the Ministry of Defence and the Hungarian Defence Forces will keep the families informed of developments.”

The Croatian Ministry of Defence and the Croatian mountain rescue service confirmed the news to 24Sata, as well as the fact that the helicopter was Hungarian. It also emerged that the plane did not crash in the Krk National Park, but in a Natura 2000 area.

UPDATE

Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky also voiced his condolences, adding that his ministry would arrange for the funeral rites.

The minister said a search for the third crew member was under way. He added that a committee from the Croatian air force, the country’s chief of staff, and political leaders were at the site.

Gábor Böröndi, chief of staff of the Hungarian military, and an expert team are on their way to Croatia, the minister said. Details of the accident will be made public once the investigation is completed, he added.

The minister declined to comment on press reports suggesting that the helicopter had collided with a steel cable.

Before the investigation is concluded, the Hungarian military will not fly its helicopters of the same type, Szalay-Bobrovniczky answered to another question.