Three US marines killed in Australia helicopter crash
A military helicopter exercise in Australia has left three US marines dead and more than 20 people injured after the helicopter crashed.
The MV-22B Osprey came down on its way to the remote Tiwi islands north of Darwin. Five of the marines are said to be in a serious condition.
The Marines were taking part in Predators Run – involving 2,500 troops from the US, Australia, the Phillippines, East Timor and Indonesia.
Only US personnel were onboard the military helicopter.
Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese has said every assistance would be given to the injured.
“Five marines have been returned to Darwin for treatment with the remaining being triaged at the scene,” said local police commissioner Michael Murphy.
“Additional police and defence personnel have been deployed to Melville Island to support operations, triage injured people and return them to Darwin and also maintain the crash scene while investigations continue.”