Marines Killed in Aussie Plane Crash from IL, VA, CO.
Tragic Tiltrotor Crash Claims Lives of U.S. Marines
In a devastating accident during a training exercise in Australia, three U.S. Marines lost their lives, while another Marine remains in critical condition. The Marine Corps confirmed this heartbreaking news on Tuesday.
The ill-fated incident occurred when a Marine V-22B Osprey, carrying 23 Marines, crashed into a tropical forest on Melville Island. The crash took place during Exercise Predators Run, a joint drill involving the militaries of Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Timor.
All 20 survivors sustained injuries and were swiftly transported by rescue aircraft to the city of Darwin, located 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the crash site. As of Tuesday, three Marines are still receiving treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital, with one in critical condition and two in stable condition, according to a statement from the Marines. The names of the injured Marines have not been disclosed.
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Since 2012, up to 2,500 U.S. Marines have been stationed in Darwin for six months each year as part of the U.S. military’s strategic shift towards Asia to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Colonel Brendan Sullivan, the commanding officer of the Marine Rotation Force-Darwin, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the three Marines and emphasized that their focus is now on recovering the wreckage and determining the cause of the crash.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,” stated Mr. Sullivan. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved.”
The three Marines who tragically lost their lives have been identified as Capt. Eleanor V. Beau, 29, from Belleville, Illinois, who served as the Osprey pilot; Cpl. Spencer R. Collart, 21, from Arlington, Virginia; and Maj. Tobin J. Lewis, 37, from Jefferson, Colorado. All three were based in Darwin.
President Joe Biden also expressed his condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident.
“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash,” President Biden shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, referring to his wife Jill Biden. “We are praying for those who also suffered injuries.”
The Osprey, a remarkable hybrid aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter, but with the ability to tilt its propellers forward and achieve high-speed flight like an airplane, has unfortunately been involved in several fatal crashes. Prior to this incident, there have been five fatal crashes of Marine Ospreys since 2012, resulting in a total of 16 deaths.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the fallen Marines, as well as to those who are currently recovering from their injuries. May they find strength and support during this difficult time.
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