The government denies Taliban claims it shot down a military helicopter in Afghanistan killing five British servicemen, calling the crash a “tragic accident” as tributes are paid to those who died.
A British Lynx helicopter, similar to the Mk 9, which crashed
An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash and the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) has cordoned off the crash site. And the Ministry of Defence (MoD) says that initial indications suggest a technical failure during a routine flight.
I cannot pay high enough tribute to each and every one of them for the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make. Prime Minister David Cameron
The Lynx helicopter crashed in Kandahar on Saturday and a spokesman for the Taliban, which told Channel 4 News recently that it was determined to continue its campaign of violence, claimed responsibility. But that was denied by the British military and government on Sunday.
“It is with great sadness that we must confirm that five UK Service personnel have been killed in this incident which, at this early stage, would appear to have been a tragic accident,” said Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Major General Richard Felton in a statement released by the MoD.
He added that crashes of this nature are rare, but served as a reminder of the risks service personnel face. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” he said.
Foreign Secretary William Hague confirmed that an investigation was underway into what initially appeared to be an accident. He told Sky News’ Murnaghan programme that the Taliban often falsely claimed responsibility for the deaths of Nato forces.
Three of the servicemen who died were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. One was a member of the Royal Air Force serviceman, at the same base. The fifth was a member of the Army Reserve from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion, based in London, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. None has yet been named, but next of kin have been informed.
The Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband paid tribute to those who died. “My heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed in this terrible tragedy,” said Mr Cameron.
He added: “Every British fatality is a source of deep sadness. This latest incident, which has cost the lives of five UK service personnel, brings home to us all once again how our armed forces continue to put their lives on the line to help the people of Afghanistan.
“I cannot pay high enough tribute to each and every one of them for the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make.”
And Mr Miliband said people across the UK would be saddened by the news, calling it “a tragic and poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our armed forces in serving our country with bravery and distinction”.
The MAA inquiry is likely to look at the aircraft’s log books and other documentation, in addition to weather conditions and whether the helicopter was carrying out an authorised job according to its capabilities, experts said.
It is not thought that other Lynx helicopters in use in Afghanistan will be immediately grounded following the crash.
A spokesman said: “The investigation is now under way, and the area of the crash has been cordoned off. We cannot go into further details. At this stage it is not known how long the investigation might last or when investigators will deliver their report, but it will be a thorough inquiry.”
The crash represents the third biggest single loss of life of British troops since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001, and brings the total number of UK service personnel killed there to 453.
While many have already pulled out, some British troops remain in Afghanistan to take part in the ongoing Nato mission. The International Security Assistance Force is providing training for Afghan troops, as well as providing security in the country and helping with reconstruction. Combat operations are expected to end this year.
The aircraft that crashed in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar – some 30 miles from the Pakistan border – is believed to be a Westland Lynx Mk 9 light utility helicopter.
Lynx helicopters are light utility aircraft used for a wide range of roles, including transport, surveillance, resupply and operational support.
They are seen as “work horses” which are used by all three services and usually carry a crew of three, including a pilot, co-pilot and gunner.
It is thought that the other two military personnel on board could have been travelling as passengers.
Defence analyst Paul Beaver said: “It is difficult to speculate on what has happened, but it sounds like this was a flying accident instead of a case of the aircraft being shot down.
“It could be weather related, it could be dust or it could have been trying to avoid birds, for example, or it could be some kind of mechanical failure. There is a whole range of possible causes.”