US military aircraft crash: 3 Marines killed, several injured in tragedy during military exercise in Australia
US military aircraft crash: A US military aircraft crashed during military exercises in Australia, killing three and injuring several others, according to CNN.
The MV-22B Osprey aircraft was carrying 23 Marines. Three personnel were killed, and five others were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital in critical condition, according to a statement issued by the Marine Rotational Force — Darwin on Sunday.
The incident occurred at 9:30 a.m. (local time) on Melville Island in Australia.
“The Marines aboard the aircraft were flying in support of Exercise Predators Run. Recovery efforts are ongoing,” CNN quoted the statement. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Natasha Fyles, the Northern Territory's Chief Minister, had earlier stated that some of the other Marines were being treated on the site.
“We are working incredibly hard and as fast as we can to make sure we can get people to treatment,” Fyles said.
The crash was termed as a "regrettable incident" by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, according to ABC News.
"Our focus as a government and as the Department of Defence is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time," Albanese said, ABC News reported.
The PM went on to say that the government would release another statement later on Sunday. "We will provide more information when it is appropriate," he said.
"We obviously want to make sure that any information that is provided is absolutely accurate, we're also very much focused on providing that practical assistance on the ground."
"We do follow protocols at a time like this and the Australian Defence Force is cooperating with our friends in the United States Defence Force to make sure that we provide every assistance possible,” he further said.
Also Read | PM Modi announces Chandrayaan-3 landing site to be designated as 'Shiv Shakti Point'
- ANI
