Crashed IAR 99 aircraft pilots rescued alive

The pilots of a military aircraft that crashed in Bacau County on Monday have been rescued alive, spokesperson for Bacau Emergency Inspectorate (ISU) Andrei Grecu told AGERPRES.

"Yes [they were rescued]. They are alive," Grecu said.

Several intervention, extrication, and first aid crews were sent to the scene after the crash was announced in an emergency 112 call.

An IAR 99 Hawk two-crew aircraft flying from the 95th Captain Alexandru Serbanescu Air Base in Bacau crashed on Monday around 13:30, EEST, in the Nicolae Balcescu area, according to a press statement released by the Defence Ministry (MApN).

"The two pilots managed to eject and rescue teams are in touch with them, and they have already begun the rescue operations. The 95th Air Force Base administration has urgently implemented the plan of intervention in such situations," according to the statement.

Fifor, together with Chief of Staff Nicolae Ciuca, are on their way to the scene.

A board appointed at the level of the Air Force Staff is to investigate the causes of the accident. AGERPRES (RO - author: Gina Stefan, editor: Oana Popescu; EN - author: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu, editor: Adina Panaitescu)