MTV helicopter crash kills at least two in Argentina

Pilot and technician die during filming for reality show over a reservoir

Rescue crews on the banks of an artificial lake in the Mendoza river where a  helicopter crashed. Photograph: AFP
Rescue crews on the banks of an artificial lake in the Mendoza river where a helicopter crashed. Photograph: AFP

A helicopter carrying a team filming for an MTV reality show has crashed in western Argentina, killing at least two people.

The Bell 206 helicopter crashed as it flew over the reservoir at Potrerillos de Mendoza dam about 900kms north west of Buenos Aires, Gianni Vernier, security minister for Mendoza province, said.

The pilot and a technician died, but it was not immediately known if other people were in the helicopter.

Policemen stand near a police helicopter after a helicopter carrying  a team recording for a reality show of US MTV crashed. Photograph: AFP
Policemen stand near a police helicopter after a helicopter carrying a team recording for a reality show of US MTV crashed. Photograph: AFP

Searchers were trying to reach the wreckage, which was 60 metres below the surface.

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The cause of the crash is under investigation.

It was the second deadly helicopter accident this year in Argentina involving a reality show.

In March, two helicopters working on the TV survivalist show Dropped collided while filming over rugged terrain in north-western Argentina and all 10 people on board died in the crash.

Among the dead were three noted French athletes - pioneering sailor Florence Arthaud, Olympian swimmer Camille Muffat and boxer Alexis Vastine.

Agencies