Two American service members killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash

A British military helicopter crashed Sunday in the capital of Afghanistan, killing five.

According to one eyewitness, the helicopter struck the cable of a large balloon that was being used for observation. The helicopter, part of Operation Resolute Support, crashed at the mission’s Kabul headquarters about 4:15 p.m. local time on Sunday.

A member of the Afghanistan National Army man's a center mast line that helps bring in the Aerostat during the launch and recovery process. The ANA launched the Tiff 25 for the first time from any ANA base The Tiff 25, or Aerostat, is capable of providing real-time video surveillance from a very high vantage point. The Aerostat gives personnel on the ground the ability to watch over a very large area, search for IEDs and track other things of interest. Members from the NTM-A, Stable Shadow Program have been training the Afghan National Army on the functions and capabilities of the Tiff 25 Aerostat. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Frankie J. Colbry/Released) — A member of the Afghanistan National Army man’s a center mast line that helps bring in the Aerostat during the launch and recovery process. The ANA launched the Tiff 25 for the first time from any ANA base The Tiff 25, or Aerostat, is capable of providing real-time video surveillance from a very high vantage point. The Aerostat gives personnel on the ground the ability to watch over a very large area, search for IEDs and track other things of interest. Members from the NTM-A, Stable Shadow Program have been training the Afghan National Army on the functions and capabilities of the Tiff 25 Aerostat. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Frankie J. Colbry/Released)

The helicopter was reportedly attempting to land at the NATO headquarters at the time of the crash.

The British Defense Ministry told NBC News it was one of their three Puma MK2 choppers — deployed in the NATO mission – which crashed.

Officials described the crash as an accident. In a statement issued today, the coalition said that two American service members, two British service members and one French civilian contractor died in the crash.

“Five other coalition personnel were injured and the incident remains under investigation,” the statement said.

This incident comes less than two weeks after six U.S. airmen died when their C-130 transport plane crashed while taking off in Afghanistan.

About 12,500 NATO personnel are in Afghanistan as part of the mission to support and train Afghan security forces.

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Michele Katz

Michele graduated with a B.S. in Telecommunication from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. She has spent numerous years working in the news industry in south Florida, including many positions ranging from being a news writer at WSVN, the Fox affiliate in Miami to being an associate news producer at WPLG-TV, the ABC affiliate in Miami. Michele has also worked in Public Relations and Marketing.

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