14 British soldiers killed in Afghanistan air crash
2nd September 2006
A NATO aircraft has crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing 14 British soldiers, an ISAF spokesman has said.
Twelve RAF personnel, a Royal Marine and an Army soldier were among those who died.
According to the International Security Assistance Force, the aircraft had made an emergency call before crashing.
Major Luke Knittig in Kabul said: "I can confirm we have information that an aircraft supporting ongoing ISAF missions in Afghanistan is missing after declaring an emergency some time just before 4pm local time (12.30pm UK).
"There were no reports of enemy action and we are working to establish the facts."
The Ministry of Defence in London said it was aware of an incident in southern Afghanistan.
The type of aircraft or nationality of the crew was not yet known.
Defence Secretary Des Browne described the news of the deaths as "dreadful and shocking" and said it appeared to have been a "terrible accident".
He said: "I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf, across the world every day."
The MoD has set up a helpline for worried relatives on 08457 800 900.
No details have yet been released of the type of aircraft involved.
Today's crash is thought to be the biggest single loss of British troops in Iraq or Afghanistan since the war on terror began in November 2001.
Ten British armed personnel were killed when a Hercules C130K crashed 19 miles north-west of Baghdad on January 30, 2005.
News of today's crash emerged shortly after 2pm today when ISAF reported an aircraft "missing" in southern Afghanistan.
ISAF spokesman Major Luke Knittig said the aircraft had made an emergency call shortly before it disappeared.
Locals near the scene described how coalition force helicopters were seen flying towards the crash site.
Haji Eisamuddin, a local tribal elder, said the wreckage of the plane was burning in an open field.
"I can see three to four helicopters in the sky, and coalition forces are also arriving in the area," he said.
dailymail.co.uk
2nd September 2006
A NATO aircraft has crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing 14 British soldiers, an ISAF spokesman has said.
Twelve RAF personnel, a Royal Marine and an Army soldier were among those who died.
According to the International Security Assistance Force, the aircraft had made an emergency call before crashing.
Major Luke Knittig in Kabul said: "I can confirm we have information that an aircraft supporting ongoing ISAF missions in Afghanistan is missing after declaring an emergency some time just before 4pm local time (12.30pm UK).
"There were no reports of enemy action and we are working to establish the facts."
The Ministry of Defence in London said it was aware of an incident in southern Afghanistan.
The type of aircraft or nationality of the crew was not yet known.
Defence Secretary Des Browne described the news of the deaths as "dreadful and shocking" and said it appeared to have been a "terrible accident".
He said: "I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and to the British military as it deals with the loss of friends and comrades.
"This is not the time for speculation, as the operation to secure the crash site is ongoing. We will provide further information as soon as there is more to say.
"Everyone will understand that our first priority is to inform and support the families of those on board.
"I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action.
"This tragic incident should serve to remind us all of the risks the British military shoulder on all our behalf, across the world every day."
The MoD has set up a helpline for worried relatives on 08457 800 900.
No details have yet been released of the type of aircraft involved.
Today's crash is thought to be the biggest single loss of British troops in Iraq or Afghanistan since the war on terror began in November 2001.
Ten British armed personnel were killed when a Hercules C130K crashed 19 miles north-west of Baghdad on January 30, 2005.
News of today's crash emerged shortly after 2pm today when ISAF reported an aircraft "missing" in southern Afghanistan.
ISAF spokesman Major Luke Knittig said the aircraft had made an emergency call shortly before it disappeared.
Locals near the scene described how coalition force helicopters were seen flying towards the crash site.
Haji Eisamuddin, a local tribal elder, said the wreckage of the plane was burning in an open field.
"I can see three to four helicopters in the sky, and coalition forces are also arriving in the area," he said.
dailymail.co.uk
