Two U.S. military helicopters crash; 3 soldiers dead

Two United States Army helicopters returning from a training schedule in Alaska on Thursday crashed after colliding with each other, leaving three soldiers dead and a fourth injured.
According to John Pennell, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Alaska, each of the AH-64 apache helicopters involved in the crash was carrying two people.
“This is an incredible loss for these soldiers’ families, their fellow soldiers, and for the division,” Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, said in the Army statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we are making the full resources of the Army available to support them.”
The army stated that the names of the victims of the crash are being withheld until their immediate families are notified.
The crash occurred near Healy, Alaska, while returning to Fort Wainwright, near Fairbanks.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
In a statement from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the helicopters were part of the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment at Fort Wainwright.
First responders arrived on the scene of the crash but not much could be done to save the soldiers.
The incident was the second of such accidents involving military helicopters in the state.
In February, two soldiers were injured when a military helicopter — an Army AH-64D — was involved in a rollover accident in Talkeetna, Alaska.
The helicopter was also part of the 25th Attack Battalion at Fort Wainwright.
In March, nine soldiers were killed when two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters crashed during a routine nighttime training exercise.
The crash took place northeast of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the helicopters involved were part of a medical evacuation unit.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
AgriConnect: FG, World Bank, Oyo, IITA join forces to bolster food security
Mr Makinde said Nigeria was not lagging behind in agricultural activities.

Heading 4
Sri Lanka-bound 44kg hashish, 13kg cocaine intercepted at Canada’s Toronto Pearson’s airport
The suspect was subsequently arrested by law enforcement officers before being transferred into the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

NationWide
Africa Magic airs documentary celebrating Olu Jacobs’ legacy
The late Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife.

Africa
Ebola cases rise as outbreak expands to 63 health zones in DR Congo: WHO
WHO said delays in diagnosis and access to adequate treatment could contribute to preventable deaths.

States
Edo govt. targets jobs, revenue through tourism, hospitality sectors
Mr Okaeben said the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment where talents could thrive.

NationWide
Army trains 380 soldiers in specialised skills to boost operations
Mr Adejimi said the training was designed to improve the technical capabilities of personnel.





