Three people killed in helicopter collision near Cabazon, California

Modified Date: 
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 8:48am
Accident Date: 
Sunday, August 6, 2023

Helicopters battling Riverside County brush fire collide mid-air; 3 killed

A Bell helicopter flown by a contract pilot with a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) division chief and a Cal Fire air captain on board was in an observer-coordinator role when it collided with a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter while battling the brush fire, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Dept. 

3 killed after firefighting helicopters collide while battling Southern California blaze, officials say

The helicopters were among six aircraft responding to the Broadway Fire, which began Sunday after a structure fire spread to nearby vegetation, according to officials.