One individual has passed away, and two others sustained severe injuries following a police helicopter crash in France.
The incident occurred in Bray-Saint-Aignan, Loiret, when a National Gendarmerie helicopter crashed, prompting an emergency response involving 55 firefighters and 44 vehicles for a search and rescue operation.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the death of a gendarme, Adjutant Dorian Larigaudrie, during a search mission for a missing person. He expressed deep sadness and extended condolences to the deceased’s family and colleagues, while also sending thoughts to the injured soldiers and their families.
Reports from the Loiret prefecture revealed that three gendarmes were onboard the helicopter. The pilot and the mechanic were taken to Orléans University Hospital in critical condition, while the third officer tragically lost his life.
Following the accident, the local prefect emphasized the sacrifices made by the French National Gendarmerie in protecting the nation and called for recognition and respect for their dedication.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and details about the gendarmerie helicopter used by the force were provided, indicating a typical crew size of one or two pilots and a capacity for four to eight passengers.
