Dromader crash kills pilot near Biłgoraj

6 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Dromader crash near Biłgoraj killed a firefighting pilot; the plane left Warsaw Bemowo to help fight a large forest fire.

A Dromader crash near Biłgoraj killed the pilot during a large forest firefighting operation. Officials said the PZL M18 left Bemowo Airport in Warsaw and joined crews battling a fire near Józefów, Kozaki and Osuch. Emergency services lost contact with the aircraft between 20:00 and 21:00 on Tuesday, May 5.

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Dromader crash: details of the incident

The aircraft belonged to the State Forests and the crew flew from Warsaw. Moreover, the plane participated in water drops to slow the blaze. However, witnesses filmed the machine lowering over burning terrain and then hitting the ground. Consequently, authorities sealed the scene immediately. In addition, they notified the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation. Officials confirmed the pilot died at the scene. Therefore, investigators will examine flight data and operations.

Firefighting response and local impact

The fire spread across the border of Józefów, Łukowa and Aleksandrów communes. Moreover, strong winds and extreme dryness worsened conditions. Firefighters initially deployed about 200 personnel and 60 units. Later, roughly 300 firefighters and 80 units joined. In addition, crews used three PZL M18 Dromader aircraft and a helicopter to limit fire growth. The crashed plane came from Warsaw and supported local teams. Consequently, authorities closed voivodeship road 849 near Kozaki. Therefore, police set detours through Aleksandrów and Łukowa. However, officials urged civilians not to enter the firefighting zone. In addition, the starosta of Biłgoraj warned that every vehicle can block fire engines.

Who confirmed the death and next steps

Local leaders confirmed the fatality. The Biłgoraj starosta and the Lublin voivode spokesman released statements. Moreover, the voivode said he would travel to the scene. Investigators from the aviation accident commission will handle the technical probe. In addition, they will coordinate with State Forests and emergency services. Consequently, expect official updates in the coming days. Therefore, families and colleagues receive support from agencies and unions.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, call 112 for any emergency. Moreover, do not drive into active rescue zones. However, if officials cordon an area, obey immediately. In addition, contact your embassy if the incident involves an expatriate. For paperwork, know a few Polish institutions: NFZ is the national health fund, ZUS is social security, PESEL is the national ID number, and a mandat means a fine. Therefore, keep your insurance and ID documents accessible. Finally, expect official reports and possible media briefings after the investigation.

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