United States Central Command officials confirmed the crash of a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in western Iraq. Consequently four crew members died in the incident.
Central Command Issues Statement
United States Central Command released an official statement on Friday. The command reported that the aircraft went down at about 2pm eastern time on March 12.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed while it supported operations in the region. Moreover the incident involved two aircraft. As a result one tanker went down while the second aircraft landed safely.
Casualties Announced
United States Central Command gave clear information about the crew. “At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12 a US KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq” the statement said.
Furthermore it added “Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.”
Investigation Proceeds
United States Central Command stressed one key point about the cause. “The loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire” officials stated.
Therefore the circumstances of the crash remained under investigation.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue teams worked actively at the site in western Iraq. As a result operations continued for the remaining crew members.
United States Central Command withheld the identities of the service members. In addition officials said they would release the names after notifying the next of kin.
