ALGIERS, Algeria, Feb 21 (NNN-APS) – Two people were killed on Wednesday night, when a helicopter belonging to the Algerian air forces, crashed in the western province of Tiaret, local media reported.
According to Echorouk News television channel, the helicopter crashed in remote wooded area in the locality of Rechaiga, in Tiaret province, some 220 km south-west of the capital, Algiers.
Ambulances and Gendarmerie patrols rushed to the spot, the source added, without providing further details.
The Defence Ministry has not issued any official statement on this tragic accident.
Several crashes of military aircraft were reported in recent years. The latest and worst air disaster in the history of Algeria dates back to Apr, 2018, as 257 people were killed in the crash of Ilyushin I-76 military air plane, moments after taking off from Boufarik military airport, 30 km south-west of Algiers.
The majority of the victims were soldiers and members of their families, according to the Defence Ministry.
In Jun, 2017, one army troop died when a military helicopter crashed in the province of Naama, 700 km south-west of Algiers.
In May, 2017, three troops were killed in the northern province of Tipaza, when their military helicopter crashed.
In Feb, 2014, 77 troops were killed when a C-130 Hercules aircraft belonging to the Algerian Air Force crashed in Oum El Bouaghi province, 400 km east of Algiers.
In Mar, 2016, 12 troops were killed and two others injured, in the southern locality of Reggane, when their helicopter crashed.
In Apr, 2015, a helicopter crashed in the southernmost province of Illizi, killing two soldiers.
In Nov, 2014, an air force MIG-25 ‘Foxbat’ fighter also crashed, but the pilot managed to eject himself out of the plane before the crash.– NNN-APS
