A US military aircraft crashed on Melville Island in Australia, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving five individuals of the 23 on board injured.
The MV-22B Osprey aircraft crashed during a training exercise on Sunday morning, claiming the lives of three US Marines and leaving five others in serious condition.
According to the U.S. Marines, the crash occurred around 9:30 am local time, prompting a swift response from emergency teams. Three individuals were confirmed dead on Melville Island, while the injured were transported to the city of Darwin on the mainland for urgent medical treatment.
The US Marines released a statement confirming the tragic incident and expressing their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. The crash took place as part of the annual Predator Run exercises, a joint training initiative that involves the military forces of several nations, including Australia, the United States, East Timor, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “tragic” event. He assured that the focus of the government and the defense department was on providing comprehensive support and assistance to those affected by the accident.
Notably, Australian personnel were not involved in the helicopter crash. The joint military exercises had brought together soldiers from various nations, including the US, Australia, the Philippines, East Timor, and Indonesia. The helicopter was exclusively carrying American soldiers at the time of the crash.
The cause of the accident has not been revealed.
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