Three US Marines were killed and several others seriously wounded after an Osprey aircraft crashed during military exercises in Australia, according to CNN. The incident occurred on Melville Island at 9:30 a.m. local time. Of the 23 Marines on board the MV-22B Osprey aircraft, three died and five were taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital in serious condition.
The cause of the incident is under investigation, and recovery efforts are ongoing, said the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles stated that some of the other Marines were receiving treatment at the scene.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin offered his condolences to the families of the victims. “These Marines served our country with courage and pride, and my thoughts and prayers are with their families today,” he said.
After an incident like this, it is common for an operational stand-down to be announced, during which officials ground a fleet of aircraft to perform an accident investigation, said CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton. It is too early to determine if the accident was due to mechanical failure or another issue.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed their condolences, highlighting the enduring partnership and shared values between the two countries.
Joint military training exercises, like the one in which the Osprey aircraft crashed, aim to enhance communication and coordination between partners, said Leighton. He emphasized the importance of these exercises in providing security in the Pacific region.
The Osprey aircraft has had a history of mechanical and operational issues since its inception in the 1980s, but Leighton noted that it is generally safe to fly. Previous crashes involving Osprey aircraft include incidents in 1992, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.
The recent incident follows the crash of an MRH-90 Taipan helicopter during joint drills between Australia and the United States, which resulted in the deaths of four Australian army aircrew members.
The investigation into the Osprey crash in Australia is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.