Romanian Police specialists and prosecutors are to come to Moldova in the morning of June 3 to take part in the examination of the causes and circumstances of the SMURD helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of all four crew members, alongside Moldovan experts. The bodies of the members of the SMURD team will be transported to Chisinau. A decision as to where the medical examination will be performed is to be yet taken, acting prosecutor general Edurad Harunjen said in a meeting called by the Prime Minister last night following the crash.

The Prosecutor’s Office took legal action over violation of the flight safety rules. Eduard Harunjen said the flight recorder from the helicopter was seriously damaged as a result of the explosion. The devices will be examined in cooperation with Romanian specialists. A number of eyewitnesses were questioned and the circumstances of the accident became clearer.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip expressed his recognition for the sacrifice made by the employees of Romanian’s emergency rescue service SMURD, noting that the investigation into the helicopter crash must be as thorough and objective as possible. “Here, in the Republic of Moldova, we appreciate the work done by these people and are grateful to them for their contribution to saving lives,” he stated.

Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Marius Lazurca thanked the Moldovan authorities for the efficient mobilization, highlighting two common objectives – to repatriate the heroes and to create all the conditions for the investigation of the case. For the purpose, it was agreed to constitute a joint commission of inquiry. The diplomat noted it is very important for the Romanian authorities to be able to take part in the investigation of all the circumstances of the crash.

The helicopter of Romania’s SMURD (Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication) with four crew members on board crashed near Haragas village of Cantemir district in the afternoon of June 2. The pilot, copilot, doctor and the nurse died while heading for Cahul to take a patient.

President Nicolae Timofti signed a decree by which June 3 was declared a national day of mourning for the killed members of the SMURD team.