Up to 15 killed in British troop plane desert crash

Investigators are searching for clues today to determine why an RAF Hercules crashed in central Iraq, killing up to 15 British troops.

British defence officials are urgently trying to find out why the transport plane, a relatively slow, low-flying aircraft renowned for its reliability, crashed into the desert in clear conditions yesterday afternoon.

If the death toll is confirmed as nine or more, the tragedy will be the biggest single loss of life since since March 21 2003, when eight British troops died when the US helicopter they were in crashed.

A military source said the figure was “around 10”, and “highly unlikely” to be more than 15.

No further details were provided as next of kin were still being informed.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the deaths without specifying numbers and paid tribute to those who had been killed.

The aircraft was en-route from Baghdad to the city of Balad when it came down 25 miles north of the capital.

It is still not known whether those on board were all crew or passengers and whether the aircraft was carrying equipment or troops.

There was no word on possible survivors.

Mr Blair told a press conference yesterday that the British people were “yet again” reminded of the sacrifices that the armed forces made on behalf of their country and the “extraordinary” job they did.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives earlier today. They can be so proud of what their loved ones accomplished. This country and the wider world will never forget them.”

The plane, from RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, crashed at 4.40pm local time (1.40pm Irish time).

A British Army spokesman in Iraq said: “We can confirm that a UK C130 Hercules has crashed in central Iraq. We are not able to confirm the safety of the crew or any passengers. The cause of the crash is not yet known.”

The plane, a US-built troop carrier used by both British and American forces, is capable of transporting around 50 soldiers.

Balad, 42 miles north of Baghdad, houses one of the largest US air bases in Iraq and is protected by a 12.5-mile security perimeter.

Earlier this month, a reporter from the American TV network CBS wrote a piece from Balad about the danger of flying Hercules across Iraqi skies.

On January 12, David Martin wrote: “Every ton in the air is a ton that doesn’t have to be hauled by truck over Iraq’s dangerous roads…More critical and more dangerous: a C-130 makes an inviting target for the insurgents.”

He spoke to Captain Kurt Kresmer who said: “They’re obviously watching us fly in and out. Their tactics have changed. They’re trying to get up small arms fire to hit us.”

The Ministry of Defence released a phone number for all concerned relatives to call on 08457 800 900.