Helicopters collide while battling Cabazon fire: Three heroes lost
Two helicopters collided while combating a fire in Cabazon, resulting in the loss of three lives. The victims have been identified as Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and contracted pilot Tony Sousa.
Two helicopters collided while combating a fire in Cabazon Sunday evening, resulting in the loss of three lives. The victims have been identified as Calfire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and contracted pilot Tony Sousa.
Governor Gavin Newsom released the following statement on the tragedy: “On behalf of all Californians, our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the loved ones, friends and CAL FIRE colleagues mourning the loss of Assistant Chief Bischof, Fire Captain Rodriguez, and Pilot Sousa."
"This terrible tragedy is a reminder of the dangers our courageous firefighters face daily while working to keep our communities safe," Newsom says. "We owe them our deepest respect and gratitude and will always honor their bravery and sacrifices.”
The catastrophe unfolded as firefighters were dispatched to control a structure fire that had spread to vegetation in the area. The incident took a devastating turn when a mid-air collision occurred between two helicopters, claiming the lives of all three crew members aboard one of them.
"We have lost 3 great individuals, 3 fathers, 3 husbands, 3 friends"
- Cal Fire Southern Region Chief Dave Fulcher
It is with great sadness that #CALFIRE shares the tragic loss of our employees who perished in a midair collision yesterday evening while fighting the Broadway fire in Riverside County. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain… pic.twitter.com/nJfof734Kz
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 7, 2023
The collision brought down a smaller Bell helicopter, a chopper that hovers to coordinate operations. Its crash ignited a second fire, and pieces of the wreckage were still visible there Monday.
The larger of the two aircrafts, a Sikorsky water dropping helicopter more commonly known as a Skycrane, is still in tact on the bottom of the hillside. The two people on board were able to land safely, officials said.
A procession of firefighters and police officers Sunday night paid tribute, carrying the victims’ remains away from the scene.
Fire Captain Richard Cordova, who knew the victims personally, expressed his grief over the loss and highlighted their dedication to the firefighting program.
“I worked with Chief Bischof many times. He was very approachable, always wanted to mentor people just overall going up to him with a smile on his face,” Cordova said “The same thing with Captain Rodriguez. He was an up-and-comer with an air program, very devoted to the program.”
Neighbor Maria Fuentes saw the smoke near her Cabazon home but had just learned Monday of the crash’s deadly toll.
“It says the commitment that they have. Obviously, it says the passion that they have for what they do. It shows their desire to risk their lives. And that's what they do, serve and protect.”
The investigation into the collision has begun, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) taking the lead.
NTSB officials have announced that a complete investigation will take 18 to 24 months, with a preliminary report expected within 15 days. In the meantime, NTSB investigators plan to use drones to photograph the wreckage from all angles and throughout various times of the day.
The wreckage will eventually be moved to a secure facility in Arizona for further examination, a process that could take up to two years to complete.
