Firefighting helicopter crashes into Idaho river, killing 2 pilots

SALMON, Idaho (AP) — UPDATE: The pilots of the helicopter succumbed to their injuries after life-saving measures were performed.

They have been identified as 41-year-old Thomas Hayes of Post Falls and 36-year-old Jared Bird of Anchorage, Alaska.

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A firefighting helicopter with two people aboard crashed Thursday afternoon in the Salmon River in Idaho, officials said.

“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm … a CH-47D Series ‘Chinook’ helicopter operated by ROTAK Helicopter Services with two pilots on board was involved in an accident in the area near Salmon,” ROTAK Helicopter Services told EastIdahoNews.com. “Emergency medical teams are responding to the scene.”

A spokeswoman with the U.S. Forest Service said an incident management team is handling the crash but further details were not released, including the conditions of the pilots.

The helicopter company said it would issue a full statement once information is confirmed.

The Moose Fire started Sunday about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southwest of North Fork in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

The Forest Service said helicopters have been used this week to support ground firefighting resources with water bucket drops.

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