Salerno is mourning Sergeant Simone Ruggia, who died in the crash of an Italian Army CH-47 Chinook in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the EUFOR Althea mission. Condolences from the city's institutions and the Church have followed news of the accident, which also claimed the lives of three other Italian personnel.
A training flight that ended in tragedy
The Chinook was carrying 15 people when it crashed in the Brčko district. Four Italian personnel died, while 11 others were injured. Initial reports indicated that none of the injured was in life-threatening condition.
EUFOR described the flight as routine training. The aircraft had departed from Viterbo for service with the EUFOR Althea mission, and the official cause of the crash had not yet been established at the time of reporting. The cause remained under investigation.
From Pastena to Viterbo
Ruggia was from Salerno, associated with the Pastena district, and had been living and serving in Viterbo with the Army's Antares regiment. Although his service had taken him to central Italy, he maintained strong ties with his home city.
He had grown up in Pastena and retained close relationships with friends in Salerno. He had married approximately five months before his death. Friends remembered him as generous and always ready to help.
Condolences from the city and the Church
Salerno's mayor publicly expressed condolences to Ruggia's family and to the families of the other victims.
Archbishop Andrea Bellandi also offered condolences, joining the Church in Salerno in mourning for the sergeant. Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli likewise expressed sympathy to the families and acknowledged the loss suffered in service on an international mission.
No official date or detailed arrangements for repatriation and funeral rites were established in the reports available at the time.
