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A large air tanker has crashed while performing routine firefighting operations in New South Wales, with the loss of all three crew members.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the disaster, which occurred on 23 January 2020 while the aircraft was operating firebombing activity under contract by the RFS.
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“The fire season is far from over and today again we’ve seen tragic consequences where three people have lost their lives, after a large air tanker crashed,” Premier Berejiklian told media this afternoon.
“It demonstrates the dangerous work currently being undertaken, and it also demonstrates the conditions that our firefighters are working under. There are in excess of 70 aircraft that have been used today alone and today is a stark and horrible reminder of the dangerous conditions that our volunteers, our emergency services personnel across a number of agencies undertake on a daily basis.”
All Government buildings in Sydney will be flown at half mast tomorrow. https://t.co/o2rkCzucgl
— Clover Moore AO (@CloverMoore) January 23, 2020
A state in mourning. Sydney Lord Mayor and NSW Premier announce all flags will fly at half-mast in NSW (Twitter)
Concern for the aircraft and its crew were first raised earlier in the day when the RFS released a statement via social media advising that contact had been lost with the large air tanker, which was operating in the Snowy Monaro area.
Jim Duck
says:Just devastating!
Zach Richards
says:Such a terrible outcome at a devastating time. Thoughts with their families.
Dave
says:Three men who won’t be forgotten, with their sacrifices to the Australian public. Rest in Peace lads your shift is over…..