A civilian helicopter. (illustration photo: AFP)
BEIRUT — A civilian helicopter carrying six passengers, including two Lebanese citizens, disappeared in northern Italy Thursday, according to reports in the state-run National News Agency.
Here’s what we know:
• The helicopter took off 10am Thursday from Capannori airport, near Florence, en route to Pavullo Nel Frignano, in Modena region, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
• The helicopter’s six passengers included two Turkish businessmen, two Lebanese and an Italian pilot.
• The helicopter disappeared from radar while flying over Modena and search operations commenced soon afterward.
• The last contact with the pilot was recorded over Modena, where the NNA reported “a strong meteorological disturbance was noted.”
• ANSA reported that the search operation is difficult because the area is mountainous and not easily accessible.