Three U.S. Service Members Killed in Helicopter Crash in Australia

At least three U.S. service members were killed on Sunday near the northern coast of Australia following the crash of a Marine Corps helicopter during training exercises. ABC News reports this, citing U.S. officials.

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey helicopter, which had 23 members on board, went down near the Tiwi Islands in Australia's Northern Territory, according to a statement from the Marine rotating forces in Darwin.

Five other service members were evacuated in serious condition to the Royal Darwin Hospital. “The injured are all members of the U.S. Marine Corps crew of 23, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their safe return to Darwin for treatment,” said Michael Murphy, the Northern Territory Police Commissioner.

He added that five Marines were transported to Darwin for medical treatment, while the others are being assessed at the scene. The cause of the crash is still unclear. Earlier, we reported that a U.S. military helicopter had crashed off the coast of Australia.