Two soldiers missing after Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa

Two members of 450^e Tactical Helicopter Squadron are missing following the crash of a CH-147F Chinook in the Ottawa River near Garrison Petawawa, Ontario, nearly two hours west of Ottawa . The accident occurred Tuesday morning at 12:10 a.m. during a training flight.

The missing members are part of a crew of four who were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. First responders located the other two members and transported them to hospital in Pembrokesays the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in a press release.

No details have been released as to the alleged causes of the crash.

The military fleet of 15 Chinook helicopters is used to transport troops and equipment. These helicopters have also been deployed during natural disasters in Canada and to provide emergency medical evacuations during an operation in Mali in 2018 and 2019.

Last August, the US military grounded its fleet of 400 Chinook helicopters after several reports that fuel leaks had caused engine fires. No injuries or deaths had been reported on the American side.

At the time, a Department of National Defense spokesperson said there had been no such problems with the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet and that the military would be in contact with the builder, Boeing.

Current research

I’BOW said he is currently taking part in a search to find the two missing members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Since Tuesday morning, about 50 members of the Canadian Armed Forces on the shore and on the river have been carrying out searches, as well as a marine unit from the Ontario Provincial Police, the fire departments of Petawawa and Pembroke as well as that search and rescue aircraft from 424^e Transport and Rescue SquadronBOW, including a SAR Griffon helicopter and a Hercules aircraft. A Griffon from 427^e Special Operations Aviation Squadron is also participating in the effortsadds theBOW.

Several staff are mobilized to carry out the research.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Stu Mills

Area boaters are asked to stay away from the shores near Garrison Petawawa and the beach Black Bear to facilitate searches, avoid potentially hazardous materials from the aircraft, and ensure the integrity of the accident scene to allow for a subsequent flight safety investigation of the aircraft.BOW.

The Ontario Provincial Police were called in to assist with the search.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Mateo Garcia-Tremblay

The area is closed and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) plans to patrol the area.

What is a Chinook, the helicopter that crashed near Petawawa?

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The City of Petawawa has temporarily stopped pumping water from the Ottawa River for its water treatment plant.

This is a precautionary measure in response to potentially hazardous materials from the recent crash of a CH-147F Chinook in the Ottawa River near Garrison Petawawaexplained the Municipality.

The City of Petawawa has also implemented a ban on all non-essential watering, including outdoor watering for lawns and in gardens. This watering ban will remain in effect until further notice, specifies the Municipality.

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Trudeau prepare for the worst

On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had spoken with General Wayne EyreChief of the Defense Staff.

My thoughts are with the 450^e Squadron during the search, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We are with you during this ordealhe also wrote on Twitter.

A little later, on his way to the weekly cabinet meeting, Mr. Trudeau said: we now hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

” We just want to thank everyone who serves and show them our support during this difficult time. »

The leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre also shared his sadness at the disappearance.

My thoughts are with the other crew members who were injured, their families and all members of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed in Petawawa, who are undoubtedly affected by this tragic event.he said on Twitter.