France narrowly avoided tragedy after a firefighting helicopter crashed in the Finistère department of Brittany during an emergency operation.
The Morane 29 aircraft, deployed for wildfire control, reportedly lost stability while maneuvering above a water reservoir. Witnesses described the moment as terrifying, fearing the worst when the helicopter suddenly plunged into the water.
According to an official statement from the Finistère prefecture, the crash occurred during a water intake operation: “During the water intake, the helicopter suddenly hit the surface of the water. This caused it to lose control and crash.”
Fortunately, both the pilot and the firefighter on board escaped the wreckage in time, surviving without serious injuries. Emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and assess the damage.
The Morane 29 model is a relatively new addition to France’s aerial firefighting fleet, introduced in 2023 to boost wildfire response efforts. Since its deployment, the helicopter has played a vital role in tackling wildfires across the country. This summer alone, it completed 33 flights and dropped water 154 times, preventing flames from spreading across hundreds of hectares.
While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the survival of the crew has been hailed as a relief, with officials emphasizing that the aircraft had already contributed significantly to France’s ongoing fight against devastating wildfires.
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