Four killed in US Army helicopter crash

Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:1PM

US Army helicopters at Washington

At least four US soldiers have been killed after two military helicopters crashed during training exercises in the state of Washington.

The incident took place late Monday at the southwest joint Lewis-McChord military base in Thurston County, the Associated Press reported.

The identities of the aviators have not yet been released.

According to reports, the accident involved two OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters.

It was not immediately clarified whether the two helicopters collided or crashed separately. There were no survivors.

Local media reported that the two-seat reconnaissance choppers had crashed in a wooded training area near Tacoma due to foggy weather.

Major General Lloyd Miles, acting senior Army commander has said that a thorough investigation regarding the accident is to be conducted.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Fort Lewis crashed southeast of Seattle in 2006, leaving all three aboard dead.

SZH/JR