4 US Marines die in Norway plane crash; no Ukraine relation

4 U.S. Marines died in a aircraft crash whereas collaborating in a NATO coaching train that’s unrelated to the battle in Ukraine, the Norwegian prime minister stated Saturday.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere tweeted that the plane crash occurred overnight whereas troops have been collaborating within the NATO Chilly Response train.

“Our deepest sympathies go to the troopers’ households, kin and fellow troopers of their unit,” Gahr Stoere stated within the assertion. 

The Norwegian Armed Forces stated in an announcement that the plane had a crew of 4 who have been confirmed lifeless Saturday morning. The trigger was beneath investigation, however Norwegian police reported dangerous climate within the space.

TRAINING FATALITIES:2 Marines killed, 17 injured in navy automobile rollover accident in North Carolina

II Marine Expeditionary Drive on Saturday tweeted that 4 Marines at the moment are listed in “Obligation Standing Whereabouts Unknown” following an aviation “incident” in the course of the Chilly Response train close to Bodo, Norway. The incident concerned a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey plane.

“The search and rescue operations have transitioned to Norwegian native police authorities with assist from Norwegian Armed Forces navy items,” a II MEF press launch shared to Twitter reads. “As a matter of coverage, identities of service members will not be launched till 24-hours in spite of everything next-of-kin notifications have been accomplished.”

The U.S. Marines additionally confirmed on Twitter Friday evening that an “incident” occurred involving a MV-22B Osprey plane whereas coaching in Norway.

“The reason for the incident is beneath investigation, and extra particulars might be offered as accessible,” the Marines tweet reads.

The Chilly Response train will proceed regardless of the accident, the Norwegian Armed Forces stated. The NATO drills in Norway are annual and unrelated to the battle in Ukraine. This 12 months, the workout routines started on March 14 and finish April 1. About 30,000 troops, 220 plane and 50 vessels from 27 international locations are collaborating. Finland and Sweden, each non-NATO members, are additionally collaborating.

USA TODAY reached out to the II Marine Expeditionary Drive and the Pentagon for remark.

It is the second coaching train the place Marines died for the reason that starting of the 12 months. Two Marines have been killed and 17 others injured on Jan. 19  after a 7-ton navy automobile rolled over in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Contributing: Related Press