DND: Helicopter Crash - Two Canadian and One ISAF Soldier Have Died and Three Others Injured

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jul 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
Two Canadian air crew members and one ISAF soldier were killed when a
Canadian CH-146 Griffon helicopter crashed during take-off. The incident
occurred at a Forward Operating Base in Tarnak Va Jaldak, Zabul Province,
northeast of Kandahar City at around 1:50 p.m., Kandahar time, on 6 July
2009.

Killed in action were MCpl Pat Audet from 430e Escadron tactique
d'helicopteres based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier and Cpl Martin
Joannette from the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment based at Canadian
Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City.

Three other Canadian Forces members were injured in the crash, but were
able to walk away from the crash site. They have been evacuated by
helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar
Airfield. Two of them have returned to duty and the third is in stable
condition.

The identities of the injured members will not be released.

An Air Wing Flight Safety investigation is underway, however it has been
determined that the crash did not occur as a result of enemy fire.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen
comrades during this very difficult time.

Members of Task Force Kandahar are committed to improving security and
increasing development in Kandahar Province. Despite this accident we are
determined to continue working with our Afghan and international partners
towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

Note to Editors:

Photographs of MCpl Pat Audet and Cpl Martin Joannette are available on
the Combat Camera website at: www.combatcamera.ca.

Contacts:
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca

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