Firebombing helicopter crashes Yarra Ranges
A water bombing helicopter used to fight bushfires has crash-landed into a dam in the Yarra Ranges on Monday night.
Emergency crews rushed to Jericho after the chopper came down and plunged into the water.
Three people on board the Helitak341 have luckily escaped without serious injury.
Communities around Mt Buller had been on alert for fires, following recent bushfires in the area including at Aberfeldy and Woods Point.
It’s not clear to which fire the crews on board the helicopter had been attending.
Local man Pedro, from the Tatong Tavern, said patrons had seen police and ambulance heading towards Odea Rod just after 8pm.
“That area is mainly bush, it’s a gravel road with lots of hills and mountains then it goes into a valley,” he said.
“They [emergency services] would have to access it by a back road though I’d say — it’s not private land but it’s got gates and fences.
“There’s a few farms that back onto the area too.”
Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Butler said crews were called to Nine Mile Rd about 7.15pm.
“It is believed all occupants of the aircraft are safely out,” Ms Butler said.
“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.”
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