Crashed helicopter in Iraq was British: ministry

Source: AFP

LONDON (AFP) - A helicopter which crashed southeast of Baghdad on Tuesday -- killing two soldiers and wounding 12 -- was British, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

"It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the loss of an RAF Puma helicopter near Baghdad in Iraq last night. Two service personnel were killed; their next of kin have been informed," it said Wednesday.

In a statement, the ministry added that two other personnel were seriously injured, but are now recovering in hospital.

"It is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash; an RAF (Royal Air Force) Board of Inquiry has already been convened and is en route to Iraq to conduct its investigations."

In Baghdad, a spokesman for the US-led coalition said it was not yet known why the helicopter crashed but it was "not brought down by enemy fire."



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071121/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestushelicopterbritain_071121140000