Four personnel were killed and 11 others injured when an Italian military helicopter serving with the European Union peacekeeping force crashed in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The CH-47 Chinook was conducting routine training near Brčko when the accident occurred. Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the cause.

EUFOR Helicopter Crash Near Brcko

The helicopter crashed in the Gorice area of Brčko district during a training operation involving the European Union Force, known as EUFOR.

Images from the scene showed the aircraft overturned and severely damaged on grassy terrain.

Local emergency responders and EUFOR personnel rushed to the site to assist those aboard and arrange medical treatment.

EUFOR confirmed that no civilians were injured and that the crash did not damage nearby civilian buildings, vehicles or property.

Four Italian Personnel Killed in Bosnia

Italy's Ministry of Defence confirmed that four people lost their lives in the accident.

Two victims were members of the Italian Army, while the other two belonged to the Italian Red Cross Voluntary Military Corps.

Three people reportedly died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to injuries after being transported to hospital.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those who died.

Eleven Injured in Chinook Helicopter Accident

A total of 15 personnel were aboard the helicopter when it crashed.

EUFOR confirmed that 11 survivors were receiving medical treatment and were in stable condition.

Two injured personnel were transferred to a medical facility in Tuzla, while nine continued receiving treatment in Brčko.

Italy also arranged additional medical assistance to support the injured personnel and their recovery.

Bosnia Helicopter Crash Investigation

EUFOR and Italian defence authorities have opened investigations into the accident.

Investigators will examine the circumstances of the flight, the aircraft's condition and other available evidence to determine what caused the crash.

Officials have not identified a confirmed cause or reported findings establishing mechanical failure, weather conditions or human error.

EUFOR urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on verified information released by authorities.

EUFOR Operation Althea Peacekeeping Mission

The crashed helicopter was deployed under EUFOR's Operation Althea, which supports security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The European Union assumed responsibility for the mission from NATO in 2004.

Its responsibilities include supporting a secure environment and overseeing military aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the 1992–1995 Bosnian war.

The mission operates under a United Nations Security Council mandate and includes personnel from several European countries.

The fatal crash has drawn condolences from European officials as investigations continue into the circumstances of the tragedy.