Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Three Firefighters in Queensland
A devastating plane crash in Queensland, Australia has led to the loss of three brave firefighters from Victorian-based flight charter company AGAIR. The aircraft, a Rockwell 696 Jetprop, crashed in challenging terrain near the Eloise Copper Mine south of Cloncurry on Saturday afternoon. The crew had been deployed to assist in battling bushfires in rural Queensland.
The crash occurred around 2.30pm local time and resulted in the plane being engulfed in flames, making the task of identifying the victims a grim and painstaking process. A specialist team of disaster investigators will arrive at the crash site on Monday to begin the process of identifying and repatriating the deceased passengers.
Authorities have not yet examined the wreckage and investigations are estimated to take several days due to the remote location of the crash. Mount Isa District Officer Superintendent, Tom Armitt, expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and acknowledged that the investigation is in its early stages.
In addition to identifying the deceased, investigators will provide the coroner with details regarding the airworthiness of the plane and technical information about the flight. The tragedy has prompted a temporary grounding of similar planes being used by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services for fire surveillance operations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was in China at the time, expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen firefighters. He acknowledged the inherent dangers faced by those fighting fires and working in emergency services to protect their communities.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services also paid tribute to the victims in a Facebook post, emphasizing that the loss is felt by the entire community and expressing gratitude for the support provided by contracted personnel during natural disasters.
AGAIR’s chief executive, Rob Boschen, confirmed that the aircraft was engaged in fire surveillance operations when the tragedy occurred. He expressed the company’s devastation and offered full assistance to authorities during their investigations.
As details continue to emerge, the focus remains on supporting the families and colleagues of the fallen firefighters. The crash serves as a tragic reminder of the risks faced by those on the front lines of bushfires and highlights the importance of their selfless service to Australian communities.
