IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Eight Romanian Soldiers Killed in Helicopter Crash

Eight soldiers were killed and two were injured when the IAR-330 PUMA helicopter crashed on the way to military exercises with the U.S.
Image: Policemen and investigators are seen at the site where a military helicopter IAR-330 Puma built in Romania, crashed near Malancrav
Policemen and investigators are seen at the site where a military helicopter IAR-330 Puma built in Romania, crashed near Malancrav on Nov. 21.Ovidiu Dumitru Matiu/Inquam Photos via Reuters

Eight Romanian soldiers were killed and two were injured when a helicopter they were in crashed on the way to military exercises with U.S. forces Monday morning, officials said. The Romanian-made IAR-330 PUMA helicopter went down over Sibiu at around 10:40 a.m. (3:40 a.m. ET), according to a statement from Romania's defense ministry. The two injured soldiers were transported to the hospital and were in stable condition, the defense ministry statement said. The cause of the crash was unclear.

The ten service members were on their way to a military joint exercise with U.S. forces, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said in a statement, offering condolences. "Since joining NATO a decade ago, Romania has been a stalwart ally and partner of the United States, and the American military deeply appreciates the dedication and sacrifices of Romanian troops who have served alongside U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe," Hagel said.

Image: Policemen and investigators are seen at the site where a military helicopter IAR-330 Puma built in Romania, crashed near Malancrav
Policemen and investigators are seen at the site where a military helicopter IAR-330 Puma built in Romania, crashed near Malancrav on Nov. 21.Ovidiu Dumitru Matiu/Inquam Photos via Reuters

SOCIAL

— Elisha Fieldstadt