Four killed in Chinook crash during EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia

Four people have been killed and a further 11 injured after an Italian Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed during operations supporting the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The accident happened on Thursday, 29th of October, in the Gorice area of the Brčko District in northern Bosnia, while the helicopter was participating in routine training activities as part of Operation EUFOR Althea.

There were 15 people aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident. Italy’s Ministry of Defence subsequently confirmed that four personnel had died, comprising two members of the Italian Army and two members of the Italian Red Cross Military Volunteer Corps. The remaining 11 occupants sustained injuries, although none were reported to be in a life-threatening condition.

The four victims have since been identified as Sergeant Simone Ruggia and Sergeant Claudio Marchesi of the Italian Army, alongside Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci of the Italian Red Cross Military Volunteer Corps.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed his condolences to the families of those killed, describing the incident as an immense tragedy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also issued a message of sympathy, paying tribute to those who lost their lives while serving on an international peacekeeping mission.

An Italian medical team has been dispatched to support the injured personnel, who are receiving treatment at local medical facilities.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, with both the Italian Ministry of Defence and EUFOR launching inquiries to establish what happened.

Initial reports indicate that the helicopter may have crashed shortly after taking off from the Brčko area. Witness accounts reported by Italian media suggest the aircraft was flying at relatively low altitude before coming down in the Gorice area.

Italian media have also reported that investigators are considering whether the helicopter may have struck overhead power cables, although this remains an unconfirmed possibility and no cause has been officially established.

Photographs circulating in local media show the aircraft extensively damaged following the impact, with the wreckage left overturned in an open area.

Footage of the moment an Italian Ch-47 Chinook crashed during an EUFOR training exercise in Gorice, Bosnia. https://t.co/RBl5eUeWih

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) October 29, 2026

EUFOR confirmed that no civilian infrastructure, property or vehicles were damaged in the incident and that no civilians were injured.

The force has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and has urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information while enquiries continue.

The helicopter was deployed as part of Operation EUFOR Althea, the European Union’s military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which works to maintain a safe and secure environment and support the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The agreement brought an end to the Bosnian War in 1995, with the EU taking over responsibility for the peacekeeping mission from NATO in December 2004.

Italy currently provides a significant contribution to the operation and has held command of the mission since January 2026.

The CH-47 Chinook is one of the world’s most recognisable military transport helicopters, featuring its distinctive tandem-rotor configuration. Designed and manufactured by Boeing, the aircraft has been in service since the early 1960s and remains a key component of military transport operations around the world including the UK.

Italy operates the ICH-47F, a specialised version of the CH-47F, with aircraft assembled by Leonardo at its Vergiate facility. The Italian Army originally ordered 16 examples, with deliveries beginning in 2014 to the 1st Army Aviation Regiment ‘Antares’ based at Viterbo.

The type provides the Italian armed forces with substantial heavy-lift capability, supporting troop movements, logistics, equipment transportation and operations in challenging environments.

The loss of the aircraft and four personnel represents a significant tragedy for the Italian armed forces and the wider EUFOR mission. Investigators will now work to establish the precise circumstances of the accident, with further information expected as the investigation progresses.