At least one dead as military helicopter crashes near Czech Republic town

A military helicopter crashed in the Czech Republic today, the country’s army has confirmed, killing at least one person and injuring three others. Five soldiers were on board the Venom helicopter when it crashed in Náměšť nad Oslavou, in the Třebíč region.

A rescue team has been sent to the scene, including four ground crews, an air rescue service from Jihlava, and a helicopter from the Olomouc Region. The army said more information will be released as the situation unfolds.

It wrote on a post on X: “At the 22nd Air Base of the Army Aviation in Náměšť nad Oslavou, a Venom helicopter has crashed. There were five soldiers on board.

“Units of the integrated rescue system are responding at the scene. We will publish further information as soon as the situation allows.”

The UH-1Y Venom helicopter is vital to the Czech Air Force base in Náměšť nad Oslavou, where they are gradually replacing the Soviet Mi series aircraft.

Produced by US company Bell Textron, it is a multi-purpose helicopter powered by two T700-GE-401C engines produced by General Electric.

Some were deployed as part of air defences along Poland’s eastern border when the Czech government responded to dozens of Russian drones entering NATO airspace.