Poland’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service has suspended all flights because of contaminated fuel.

“The problem is probably caused by very low temperatures. We have assessed the hazard and decided to suspend flights in order not to put crews’ and patients’ lives at risk,” said Justyna Wojteczek from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

It is possible that water was added to the fuel by a supplier, which significantly lowered the quality of petrol.

Fuel samples from all air ambulance bases are being examined at laboratories. It is uncertain, when seventeen helicopters from the air ambulance service fleet, fifteen MI-2 and two Eurocopters, as well as four Eurocopters used for training purposes, will be able to resume flights. (mg)