Three American Marines were killed and an additional 20 sustained injuries when an aircraft crashed during a collaborative international training exercise in Australia today.
The mishap involved an MV-22B Osprey aircraft carrying a total of 23 Marines, which went down on Melville Island at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time (7:30 p.m. EST), 50 miles away from Darwin, the nearest major city on the mainland.
Following a search and rescue operation, five severely wounded Marines were airlifted to the Royal Darwin Hospital, as reported by Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles in a press briefing. To attend to the remaining injured personnel, an emergency aircraft was dispatched to the remote location, according to statements made by Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy to the media.
The aircraft, an Osprey, was one of two helicopters that had taken off from Darwin en route to Melville Island on that particular Sunday. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) asserted that there were no Australian service members on board the ill-fated helicopter during the crash.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash, with ongoing efforts centered on recovery. Fyles expressed condolences, saying, “We acknowledge that this is a terrible incident. The Northern Territory government stands by to offer whatever assistance is required.” As a result of the tragedy, all training activities have been temporarily halted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed full support for the nation following the “tragic” crash. He emphasized that the government and the defense department are fully committed to responding to the incident and providing every possible form of aid during this challenging period. Although Albanese refrained from sharing more details, he did emphasize the collaboration between the Australian Defence Force and the United States Defense Force to ensure comprehensive assistance.
The MV-22B Osprey, a hybrid aircraft with capabilities of both helicopters and planes, is employed by the US military for vertical takeoffs and landings. The helicopter accident transpired during the Predator’s Run 2023 Exercise, which forms part of a multinational training program involving military personnel from several countries, including Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. Around 2,500 individuals were participating in these exercises, including 500 from the United States.
This incident involving the helicopter marks the second fatal aviation occurrence within the Marine Corps in less than a week. Just a few days prior, Major Andrew Mettler had tragically lost his life while piloting an F/A-18D Hornet during training activities near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, which was confirmed by Marine Corps officials.
{Matzav.com}
