14 UK troops die in Afghan crash

[Pert_UK]

"Fourteen British service personnel have died after their aircraft crashed in Afghanistan, the MoD has said.

Twelve RAF personnel, a Royal Marine and an Army soldier were on board the RAF Nimrod MR2 which came down in the southern province of Kandahar...

UK Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

"At this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action." "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5308622.stm

[flamingyouth]

1. Terrible news

:(

[daleo]

2. They claim it is an accident

"Officials said the incident appeared to be an accident and Tony Blair said it would "distress the whole country"."

But they may backtrack on that claim in a few days. It wouldn't be the first time that has happened.

12 RAF personnel on the craft. I think it is surveillance and intelligence gathering plane. That must have been a pretty substantial asset to lose, in addition to the loss of life.

[Stella_Artois]

3. RIP

Prayers for the families.

[Pert_UK]

4. FYI I've flagged this as a dupe....

Sorry, didn't spot the earlier reference to this story.

Horrible news......

[jmm]

5. Locked

per original poster's request.

-jmm
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