Serbia mourns victims of helicopter crash

Serbian Army and state officials gathered Sunday to commemorate the four pilots who lost their lives in the helicopter crash.

Seven people including a five-day-old baby died late Friday night when a military Mi-17 helicopter crashed due to heavy frog in the field near the Belgrade airport, after several unsuccessful attempts to land.

The Serbian government designated March 15 as the national mourning day.

Commander of the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence Ranko Zivak said Sunday at the commemoration held at the unit's headquarters in Zemun, Belgrade, that the four members of the crew from the ranks of Serbian army were constantly committed to saving lives.

"They gave their best, with no reserve in order to save one young life. Sadly, they failed this time," Zivak said, calling his men heroes, capable of performing most complex assignments.

"This tragedy is an enormous loss for Serbian Air Force and Air Defence, as well as army in general. We lost our skilled flyers, experienced experts, great professionals and patriots," Zivak said in front of members of the victims' families, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic as well as General Ljubomir Dikovic, Chief of Serbian Armed Forces.

Miroslav Zecevic, commander of the squadron that the four army members were appointed, noted that in their carrier they saved thousands of lives, and that the unit will continue on that path.

"The best among us died doing their everyday tasks. They are no longer with us, but will be along our side always as we will remember them for what they did," Zecevic pledged.

After a scene investigation Serbian Army has formed two commissions to determine what technical failures might have led to the tragedy as well as should someone be brought to shoulder the responsibility. Their deadline to finish the task is set on March 30. Endit