Argentina mourns seven killed in helicopter crash during firefighting training

San Juan, Argentina, is grappling with the tragic loss of seven lives after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise for the Plan de Lucha contra el Fuego (Firefighting Plan). The incident has deeply impacted the community, with public wakes being held for four of the seven deceased.

The victims being honored at the provincial cathedral include Carlos Heredia, director of Civil Protection; Germán Videla, deputy chief of the San Juan Police; Rubén Castro, chief of the provincial police's Firefighters; and Jorge Carbajal, second chief of Firefighters. Their bodies will lie in state until Saturday morning before a funeral procession.

The remaining three victims, brigadiers Andrés Bosch and Rodrigo Aimetta from the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE), and pilot Matías Valenzuela, were not part of San Juan's public safety structure. Their remains have been returned to their families for private farewell ceremonies.

The Bell 412 helicopter, chartered by the Federal Emergency Agency, crashed as it was heading to La Rioja to help combat an active fire. Marcelo Herrera, brother of the deceased director of Civil Protection, spoke emotionally about the legacy of public service. "The legacy that remains for us as firefighters is the affection people in the province have for us," he said, according to Tiempo de San Juan. "That affection serves as encouragement for us to follow the example of those who lead with so much drive, with so much attitude, and with so much love."

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The legacy that remains for us as firefighters is the affection people in the province have for us. That affection serves as encouragement for us to follow the example of those who lead with so much drive, with so much attitude, and with so much love. Because love is also demonstrated by working for the person who needs help in an emergency.