UPDATE: Seven killed in CH-47 crash west of Basra
Multi-National Force-Iraq
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080918-03
September 18, 2008
UPDATE: Seven killed in CH-47 crash west of Basra
Multi-National Corps-Iraq
UPDATE: The total number of Soldiers killed in CH-47 Chinook crash is now seven. An earlier press release stated five. The helicopter crashed, not a hard landing as stated earlier.
BASRA AIR STATION, Iraq – Seven U.S. Soldiers were killed when a CH-47 Chinook crashed about 100 km west of Basra at approximately 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
The Chinook was part of a four-aircraft aerial convoy flying from Kuwait to Balad.
The seven Soldiers were the only ones onboard the Chinook at the time of the crash.
A British Quick Reaction Force team was dispatched from Basra to assist at the site. A road convoy in the vicinity was also diverted to the scene.
The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and official release by the Department of Defense
The incident is under investigation, however enemy activity is not suspected.
“It is a tough day for the coalition and we are deeply saddened by the loss of our Soldiers. Our prayers and condolences go out to the families during this difficult and tragic incident,” said Col. Bill Buckner, spokesperson for Multi National Corps- Iraq.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR HIGH-RES PHOTOS, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT:MNCIPAOVICTORYMAINJO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL
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