Update On Soldiers Wounded In Helicopter Crash

Update On The Condition Of Soldiers Wounded In Helicopter Crash On 21 June 2010

Two of the seven Australian soldiers who are receiving medical treatment for wounds received in a helicopter crash on Monday morning have now been re-assessed as being in a serious condition.

These two soldiers were previously assessed as being in a satisfactory condition.

This re-assessment results in the condition of the seven wounded soldiers now being listed as three remaining in a very serious condition, two now in a serious condition and two remaining in a satisfactory condition. The civilian interpreter who was also wounded in the accident also remains
in a serious condition.

The soldiers are suffering from multiple fractures, lacerations, and crush injuries while one soldier also has a head injury. They are receiving excellent medical care at the US military hospital in the Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre, Germany and remain the subject of close monitoring and ongoing medical assessment.

Due to the protected identity status of the wounded soldiers and at the direct request of the families for privacy, there will be no media access facilitated in Landstuhl.An Australian Defence Force aero-medical team has commenced assessment of the wounded soldiers’ suitability for repatriation to Australia. Due to complexity of the wounds sustained, it will be some time before the first of the soldiers are medically assessed as being able to travel.

A US air crash investigation team has been tasked to review the cause of the incident which involved an ISAF helicopter crashing in northern Kandahar province with 15 personnel onboard. A specialist Australian Army air crash investigator is also assisting with the investigation.

Three Australians and a US soldier were killed in the incident.

The three Commandoes killed in the incident have commenced their journey to Australia.

ENDS

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