A military helicopter crashed in the Czech Republic today, the country’s army has confirmed, killing at least one person and injuring three others. Five soldiers were on board the Venom helicopter when it crashed at the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou at around midday local time on Thursday.
A rescue team has been sent to the scene, including four ground crews, an air rescue service from Jihlava, and a helicopter from the Olomouc Region. Jihlava region rescue service spokesman Petr Janacek confirmed one person died in the crash at the air base.
Three others were taken to hospital, one with light and two with medium-severity injuries, he added. He was not able to confirm their identities. Mr Janacek said: “We treated a total of six people.
“We transported three with moderately serious injuries to hospitals in Brno, one with minor injuries to Jihlava, and three patients with smoke inhalation to the hospital in Třebíč. One person did not survive the helicopter crash.”
The army said more information will be released as the situation unfolds. It wrote on a post on X: “At the 22nd Air Base of the Army Aviation in Náměšť nad Oslavou, a Venom helicopter has crashed. There were five soldiers on board.
“Units of the integrated rescue system are responding at the scene. We will publish further information as soon as the situation allows.”
A black flag has already been hoisted at the base as a sign of mourning, and Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna is heading to the scene.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš added in a message on X: “I was struck by the news of the army helicopter crash. I am thinking of the soldiers who were carrying out their duties. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“To the family and loved ones of the soldier who lost his life in this tragic accident, I express my heartfelt condolences. Honor to his memory.”
The UH-1Y Venom helicopter is vital to the Czech Air Force base in Náměšť nad Oslavou, where they are gradually replacing the Soviet Mi series aircraft.
Produced by US company Bell Textron, it is a multi-purpose helicopter powered by two T700-GE-401C engines produced by General Electric.
Some were deployed as part of air defences along Poland’s eastern border when the Czech government responded to dozens of Russian drones entering NATO airspace.
