A highly qualified pilot was killed on Tuesday evening when a Dromader firefighting aircraft crashed in the Józefów forest district while battling a massive forest fire in the Roztocze region.
Investigation into Fatal Aviation Accident
The Zamość District Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the aviation accident that claimed one life. Prosecutors and forensic experts are examining the crash site, with the State Commission for Air Accident Investigation also participating in the proceedings.
The investigation seeks to determine the course and cause of the accident and to establish whether any criminal liability should be assigned.
The Dromader Crash in Puszcza Solska
The accident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, May 5, in Biłgoraj county. The Dromader aircraft, chartered by the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Warsaw and stationed in Babice, was participating in firefighting operations in the Józefów forest district.
The aircraft took off for the operation at approximately 7:10 PM, but contact was lost before 9:00 PM.
Death of a Highly Qualified Pilot
The pilot of the Dromader has died. Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński stated that the pilot possessed the highest qualifications and extensive flight experience, operating under difficult conditions characterized by strong winds, drought, and limited road access.
President Karol Nawrocki and the Airport Information Service have expressed their deepest condolences to the pilot’s family, loved ones, and colleagues.
Massive Forest Fire in Biłgoraj County
Firefighters have been battling a forest fire in Biłgoraj county since Tuesday afternoon, with the blaze covering approximately 250-300 hectares in the Józefów forest district. The fire has affected parts of the Puszcza Solska, an area containing numerous nature reserves and protected Natura 2000 sites.
The highest fire hazard level is currently in effect in the Lublin Voivodeship forests, and authorities are urging the public to stay away from the operation areas.
