Media365
Terrifying footage captures the moment a water-bomber helicopter plunges into Rosporden Lake as it battles raging flames.A routine firefighting mission in Rosporden, France, turned into a heart-stopping scene on Sunday evening when a Morane 29 helicopter, tasked with scooping water to combat a wildfire, lost control and crashed into a lake.Shocking video shows the helicopter dipping its tail into the water as the pilot attempted to fill a bucket. Moments later, the aircraft spiraled wildly in the air, debris flying across the lake, as onlookers screamed in terror. Seconds later, the chopper slammed into the water and split apart, creating a massive splash.Miraculously, both the pilot and the onboard firefighter emerged unharmed. The prefecture of Finistère confirmed that the men were able to exit the helicopter on their own and reach the shore safely.Witnesses described the crash as sudden and terrifying. David, who saw the incident, was quoted by the Sun as saying, “It dipped way too low and was descending fast. I thought it was going to explode, break into pieces. Once it flipped, it went in all directions.”Authorities praised the courage and composure of the crew, highlighting the risks firefighters take daily to protect lives and property. The helicopter had just completed 27 water drops earlier that day to protect a 10-hectare area from flames threatening homes near Rosporden.An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash, though firefighting operations resumed immediately with a replacement aircraft.The incident comes amid France’s ongoing battle with unprecedented wildfires that have scorched areas larger than Paris, killing at least one person and injuring 13 others, including 11 firefighters. Thousands of personnel and dozens of aircraft continue to fight the blazes that have devastated the southern parts of the country.
