Three people have died while fighting the NSW bushfires after a water-bombing aircraft crashed in the Snowy Monaro area.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the C-130 air tanker went down west of Cooma, killing its three occupants, all of whom were Americans.

“It was a company contracted by the RFS to undertake that vital work,” Ms Berejiklian said.

She offered “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those involved.

Tragic news of the crash of a C-130 firefighting plane and the death of 3 brave people helping to save Australian lives and property. Our thoughts are with their family and colleagues at this difficult time.

— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) January 23, 2020

Image: NSW RFS