An aircraft is down near the Mt Gregory Dam

A firebombing aircraft has gone down near Nine Mile Rd, Jericho, near the Mt Gregory Dam.

At 7.45pm Monday (Jan. 28), six emergency crews – including those from Woods Point and Reefton – are making their way to the accident scene.

10.40PM UPDATE: The CFA crews arrived on scene. The occupants (two pilots and an engineer) apparently out of the aircraft and was taken to medical facility. The crew was apparently first in the hands of Forestry personnel.

11.10PM UPDATE: Radio UGFM Murrindindi reports: “One of Victoria’s fire bombing Aircranes has been involved in an incident during fire operations over the Thomson Complex Catchment fires in Gippsland.

“The two pilots and one engineer are safe after swimming to the edge of the dam where the aircraft crashed. Ambulance Victoria will assess the crew members.

“Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Worksafe have been notified.

“Over the past several days, the aircraft had been involved in fire suppression activities at the Thomson Catchment Complex fires. The Aircrane was one of 10 aircraft working on the fire.

“Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said that he was grateful that the crew are safe.

“Victoria has 49 contracted aircraft including two Aircranes.

“Contingency plans are being put in place to ensure Victoria has adequate aircraft coverage over the Thomson Catchment Complex fires and for the State.”