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CONAF Helicopter Overturns During Emergency Mission in Maule

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The accident occurred while fighting wildfires; the pilot survives with minor injuries.

A helicopter providing services to the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) overturned under circumstances still under investigation in the Maule region, specifically on the southern bank of the Mataquito River, opposite the Tricao area.

The accident took place at kilometer 19 of Route J-60, in Cuesta Los Morrillos, when the aircraft, which was participating in firefighting efforts in the commune of Rauco, collided with power lines during a low-altitude flight. This incident occurs amid a Yellow Alert declared due to grassland fires in the area.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the helicopter, was seen walking near the crash site and, fortunately, only sustained minor injuries. Firefighters and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to assist in the rescue and provide first aid. Local authorities and CONAF are conducting an investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident and assess the damage to nearby electrical infrastructure.

The crash occurs at a time of high tension for the region, which is facing multiple wildfire outbreaks. Emergency teams are deployed across various areas, working tirelessly to control the flames and prevent them from spreading to inhabited or ecologically valuable zones.

The swift response of emergency services and the fortunate survival of the pilot without serious injuries are the positive notes of an incident that could have had far more severe consequences. The local community and authorities have expressed relief and continue to support emergency operations in the region.

CONAF, along with other institutions, remains committed to wildfire prevention and firefighting, a task that has become increasingly challenging in the context of climate change and extreme weather conditions.

sustained minor injuries.