Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Satakunta Rescue Department received a report from a road near Eura Airfield that two helicopters had collided midair and crashed to the ground, reported Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat (link in Finnish) and public broadcaster Yle.

According to police, a total of five people were on board the two four-seater Robinson R44 Raven light helicopters at the time of the collision — two in one and three in the other.

Based on initial reports, there were no survivors in the collision, Margus Särglepp, director of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Assistance Unit, said at a press conference Saturday evening. Finnish police were working to identify the victims.

The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed later on Saturday evening that all five people aboard the two helicopters that collided had died.

Several media outlets in Estonia had earlier reported that among them were Estonian businessmen Oleg Sõnajalg and Priit Jagant.

Construction company Mapri issued a statement later on Saturday confirming that company chair Priit Jaagant and his wife Lilit Jaagant were among those killed in the crash.

"We regret to inform that today, at midday on May 17, among those involved in a helicopter accident in Finland involving two helicopters of Estonian origin were Priit Jaagant, chairman of the board of one of Estonia's largest construction groups, Mapri, along with his wife Lilit Jaagant," the company announced.

The names of the other passengers have not yet been published.

The helicopters were en route from Tallinn to Piikajärvi Airfield in Kokemäki at the time of the collision.

Rescuers located the downed helicopters in a forested area, approximately 100 meters apart. Finnish authorities initially declined to provide any information regarding possible casualties.

"We want to first confirm exactly what happened. The situation is constantly evolving," said on-duty fire chief Tuomas Kiskola.

According to an Yle journalist on the scene, numerous ambulances and rescue vehicles were present; however, police were not permitting the media to access the crash site.

Helsingin Sanomat reported that the rescue department had confirmed after 3:30 p.m. that acute rescue operations at the crash site had concluded.

Helicopters did not fly out of Tallinn Airport

According to Iltalehti, the helicopters departed from Estonia around 11:17 a.m. and headed toward Finland.

A spokesperson for Tallinn Airport told ERR Saturday afternoon that the helicopters did not depart from Tallinn Airport.

Fintraffic Air Navigation Services (ANS) data indicate that both helicopters had departed from Tallinn and flown in parallel the entire way to Eura. The agency confirmed that the helicopters collided at an altitude of 300 meters. This suggests that they were not in the process of descending, as they had maintained that cruising altitude for some time.

According to Finnish rescue officials, one of the helicopters was in flames when it crashed. Smoke from the fire helped rescuers locate the wreckage, which led them to the wreck of the second helicopter nearby.

Helsingin Sanomat reported that one of the two four-seater Robinson R44 Raven light helicopters involved in the collision was confirmed by Estonia's Transport Administration to be registered in Estonia; the other was confirmed by Austrian air navigation service provider Austro Control to be registered in Austria.

Based on the registration numbers of the helicopters published by Helsingin Sanomat, one of the helicopters is owned by the Estonian company NOBE and the other by Eleon. One of Eleon's owners is businessman Oleg Sõnajalg.

The Finnish Defense Forces (FDF) reported Saturday afternoon that no air force equipment was involved in the crash.

"This does not involve the activity of the air force, army, or international guests," Capt. Tommi Sorvari from the Defense Command's Public Affairs Division told Iltalehti.

Earlier this month, the Finnish Rapid Deployment Force (FRDF) conducted exercises in the Säkylä, Eura, and Kankaanpää areas. According to an FDF press release, the exercise included helicopter operations.

Eura is a municipality located in the Satakunta region of Western Finland.

Vehicles from the Finnish Defense Forces were used to cordon off the accident site. Finnish authorities are continuing the investigation with support from Estonian officials and the Finnish accident investigation bureau. A press conference in Finland is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m., while Estonia's foreign ministry is to hold a press conference at 6 p.m., where Särglepp will provide further details.

Editor's note: This piece was updated to include further details from Finnish authorities and a statement from Mapri.

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