Helicopter crash in Bosnia, today the state funeral of the dead Italian soldiers

The funerals of the four soldiers who died in the crash of a Chinook helicopter in Bosnia are being celebrated in the Roman basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli: the sergeants of the Army Aviation, Simone Ruggia and Claudio Marchesi, lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and sergeant Laura Procacci of the volunteer military corps of the Italian Red Cross. The head of state Sergio Mattarella was present and, as soon as he arrived at the church, he stopped to speak with the relatives of the victims and to offer his condolences. Also present were Prime Minister Meloni and the presidents of the Senate and Chamber, Ignazio La Russa and Lorenzo Fontana.

Yesterday morning, November 2, the military plane that brought the bodies of the four soldiers back to Italy landed in Ciampino. The aircraft was welcomed at the Roman airport by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani and the Defense Minister Crosetto. The coffins, after receiving military honors and after the religious blessing, were then transferred to the Celio Military Hospital, to the funeral home.

Meanwhile, efforts continue to understand what happened. Overall, three investigations have been launched into the accident, including that of the Bosnian authorities, which also caused the injury of 11 people who were on board the aircraft. Two proceedings are open in Rome, both against unknown persons. The military prosecutor's office proceeds for the military crime of negligent loss, while the ordinary prosecutor's office hypothesizes the crimes of negligent disaster, manslaughter and injuries. The investigative activity will focus in particular on the technical investigations on the helicopter wreckage and on the analysis of the black box, elements considered fundamental for reconstructing what happened in the moments preceding the crash. The Italian judicial offices will work in close collaboration with the commission of experts sent by the Defense to Bosnia to carry out a series of technical findings and listen to witnesses.