HARARE, April 25 (NNN-Xinhua) – Four people were killed after an Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) helicopter crashed into a house in Arcturus, 32 km east of the capital Harare.
The four victims were two pilots and a technician onboard as well as a child on the ground, the AFZ said in a statement.
Another young girl and her mother sustained burn injuries and were taken to hospital.
The AFZ said the Agusta Bell 412 helicopter left Manyame Air Force base with two pilots and one aircraft technician on a training mission.
When contact with the aircraft could not be established, the base activated search and rescue operation and found the aircraft wreckage in Arcturus.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives after the unfortunate accident. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and those injured after the accident,” said Air Marshal Elson Moyo, commander of the AFZ.
Investigations will be launched to determine the cause of the accident, Moyo said.
Zimbabwe’s air force has been unable to renew its fleet in recent years due to sanctions imposed by Western countries for alleged rights violations. — NNN-XINHUA
