One dead, one missing after helicopter crashes

Australia’s army chief said one soldier was killed and another was missing and presumed dead after an army Black Hawk helicopter crashed off Fiji, where the navy was positioned to evacuate Australians in the event of a coup.

Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the Blackhawk was carrying 10 personnel when the aircraft crashed into the landing deck of the Australian ship, HMAS Kanimbla, and rolled into the sea.

Nine personnel were rescued, but one later died of his injuries. Another was still missing at sea, he said.

Seven of those rescued were injured, mostly suffering soft tissue injuries and broken bones. They were being treated on board the Kanimbla, he said.

“Further details of the accident will be released as soon as they are available,” he said.

The dead soldier was not named.