Twenty-three U.S. Marines were injured in a helicopter crash during military exercises in northern Australia on Sunday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as “tragic.” Five Marines were already transported to Darwin, and efforts were underway to bring all the injured there. The crash occurred on the remote Tiwi Islands after 9 a.m., and Australian Defence Force and U.S. Marines were collaborating to ensure the safe return of the injured to Darwin for treatment. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy provided this information during a press conference in Darwin.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles stated that one marine was undergoing surgery at Royal Darwin hospital, while four others were receiving treatment there. Fyles also mentioned that more injured individuals were arriving, some of whom were critically injured. She emphasized the wide range of injuries sustained in the crash. Prime Minister Albanese clarified that Australian personnel were not involved in the incident, which took place during Exercise Predator’s Run 2023. He expressed the government’s focus on incident response and providing support and assistance during this difficult time.
The U.S. Defense Department acknowledged media reports about the crash but did not have any information to provide at that time, according to a duty officer’s emailed statement. The article also highlighted the increasing military cooperation between the U.S. and Australia, who are key allies in the Pacific region. This collaboration has been strengthened due to the growing assertiveness of China. The article mentioned a previous incident where four Australian soldiers lost their lives in a helicopter crash during bilateral exercises off the coast of Queensland.
The report was compiled by Sam McKeith in Sydney and Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru, with editing by William Mallard. The article adheres to The Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles.
