A mid-air collision between two helicopters claimed five lives on Saturday near Eura Airport in southwestern Finland, according to Finnish police. The incident occurred shortly after noon near the town of Kauttua.
Authorities said the helicopters collided over a wooded area, and wreckage was scattered approximately 700 meters from the Ohikulkutie road. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but all five passengers were pronounced dead at the site.
Detective Chief Inspector Johannes Siirilä of the National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that two people were aboard one helicopter and three in the other. Both aircraft were registered outside Finland, one in Estonia and the other in Austria.
According to media reports, the helicopters belonged to Estonian companies NOBE and Eleon and were on their way to a hobby aviation event. The Pori Aviation Club confirmed their expected arrival at the gathering before the crash occurred.
Now, the National Bureau of Investigation is leading a joint investigation alongside local police. Finnish and Estonian authorities are working closely to uncover the cause of the tragic accident, and both aircrafts’ flight histories are being analyzed.
This deadly incident has shocked the local community and the broader aviation world. Officials are urging caution as investigations continue, and updates are expected in the coming days.