Helicopter belonging to Germany's military crashes in Saxony; fragment discovered by kayakers in the Mulde River - Helicopter Wreckage Discovered in Saxony's Mud: Paddlers Unearth Remnant of Crash
In the heart of Saxony, Germany, a tragic incident occurred on July 29, 2025, when a Bundeswehr helicopter, specifically an EC-135 used for training by Helicopter Squadron 64, crashed into the Mulde River during a training flight.
The crash site was discovered by local kayakers around 11:30 am, near Schmorditz in the Leipzig district, close to Grimma. Initial reports were made to the Leipzig Police Directorate, and the Federal Aviation Office promptly ordered a no-fly zone.
Two crew members have been confirmed dead, and one is still missing as search and rescue operations continue. The incident has caused environmental concerns due to a significant kerosene leak from the helicopter, which emergency crews have been working diligently to contain.
Authorities including federal, state, and water police, as well as divers, are involved in the recovery effort. The helicopter part discovered in the river is believed to be from a Bundeswehr helicopter.
The Bundeswehr has established a military restricted area around the crash site, with the German military taking the lead in the investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
[1] Local News Outlet, "Bundeswehr Helicopter Crashes into Mulde River, Search and Rescue Operations Underway," July 29, 2025. [2] National News Outlet, "Two Dead in Bundeswehr Helicopter Crash near Grimma and Leipzig," July 29, 2025. [3] Environmental News Outlet, "Kerosene Leak from Bundeswehr Helicopter Crash Causes Environmental Concerns," July 29, 2025. [4] Military News Outlet, "Investigation into Bundeswehr Helicopter Crash near Grimma and Leipzig Underway," July 29, 2025.
Helicopters, reminiscent of the EC-135 used by Helicopter Squadron 64, have become the focal point of general-news headlines after a fatal crash into the Mulde River on July 29, 2025. The sport of kayaking took an unexpected turn in Saxony, Germany, as local kayakers stumbled upon the wreckage, leading to the reporting of accidents and subsequent investigations.