The six Marines involved in the helicopter crash in Nepal earlier this week are presumed dead Friday after search-and-rescue personnel located the crash site, the Pentagon said Friday.
The families of the six Marines have been notified that their loved ones were on board the downed helicopter, Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said. There were also two Nepalese service members on board who are also presumed dead.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the country’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the fallen troops involved in the crash.
“This tragedy is a reminder of the vital but dangerous role that American servicemembers play in delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Mr. Carter said in a statement. “Our mission continues in Nepal, and we remain dedicated to answering the call when disaster strikes, both in the Asia-Pacific and around the world.”
Although there were eight people on board the chopper, Col. Warren said U.S. forces have only found two bodies and that none have been recovered. Nepalese forces have reportedly found three bodies, The Associated Press reported.
Despite that, because of harsh terrain and weather conditions, it’s likely all on board perished, Col. Warren said.
A search-and-rescue team was on site searching for remains but had to be called off due to extreme weather and darkness. Col. Warren said the team will return when conditions allow.
The crash is currently under investigation, and there is no indication yet as to why the helicopter went down near Mount Everest while providing humanitarian assistance to victims of the earthquake that left thousands dead.
• Jacqueline Klimas can be reached at jklimas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.