Ambulance Helicopter Crashes in Libya, Five Dead During Medical Evacuation Mission

An ambulance helicopter crashed at Libya’s Al-Sarra base while returning from a medical evacuation near Kufra, killing all five people on board, including two military personnel, a nurse, and two foreign crew members. The crash occurred after evacuating a soldier injured in a traffic accident, and emergency teams confirmed that none survived. Libyan authorities have not yet released details on the cause.

An ambulance helicopter tragically crashed at Libya’s Al-Sarra air base while returning from a medical evacuation mission, claiming the lives of all five individuals on board, according to reports from local media outlets. The incident took place on Monday, approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the southeastern city of Kufra, in a remote desert region. The al-Wasat news portal, citing informed sources familiar with the matter, reported that the helicopter went down while completing its return flight after conducting a medical evacuation operation.
Those who lost their lives in the crash included two personnel from the military transport service and a hospital nurse who was based in Kufra. The other two victims were foreign nationals serving as the aircraft’s pilot and assistant, according to the report. The identities of the foreign victims have not been publicly disclosed. The loss has raised concern among local communities and military authorities, highlighting the inherent risks faced by medical and transport personnel operating in remote and challenging environments.
Local media outlet Aviation Today provided additional context, reporting that the military helicopter had been dispatched to evacuate a soldier who had sustained serious injuries in a traffic accident in the desert area near Kufra. The mission involved transporting the injured soldier to receive urgent medical care, underscoring the crucial role of air ambulance services in regions where road access is limited and medical facilities are far apart. After completing the evacuation, the helicopter was returning to its base when the accident occurred shortly before its scheduled landing.
At the time of the crash, the helicopter carried two military transport personnel, a medical team that included a nurse, and members of the flight crew. Emergency response teams were reportedly deployed promptly and reached the crash site as quickly as possible. Despite their swift response, authorities confirmed that none of the occupants survived the accident. Rescue and recovery operations were conducted under challenging conditions due to the remote location of the crash, and local officials have emphasized the difficulty of operating in the vast desert terrain.
As of now, no official details have been released regarding the cause of the crash, and Libyan authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on the incident. Investigations are expected to be carried out to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by both military and medical personnel involved in emergency operations, particularly in isolated regions where logistical challenges and harsh environmental conditions can complicate even routine missions. The local community and colleagues of the victims have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the human cost of service in critical, high-risk roles.