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A US Navy helicopter crashed Friday morning on USS Ronald Reagan's pontoon in the Philippine Sea, injuring several sailors.
(7th US fleet)
An American Navy MH-60 Seahawk crashed shortly after takeoff on Friday while she was performing routine operations in the Philippine Sea, the 7th Fleet Navy announced. The number of wounded sailors is not immediately known, but their condition is stable.
The Ronald Reagan combat group was conducting routine operations off the Philippine coast around 9 am when the helicopter crashed, the service announced.
"All the injured personnel are in stable condition and are being evaluated by Ronald Reagan's medical staff," said the Navy in a statement obtained by Fox News. "Although some staff are medically evacuated, none of the injuries are life-threatening."
US MILITARY ACCIDENTS, COLLISIONS IN THE PACIFIC
There were two pilots and two crew members aboard the helicopter, officials told Fox News. Their wounds ranged from minor cuts to broken bones.
Details indicating whether the helicopter or the aircraft carrier suffered damage were not provided.
According to the Navy's statement, the ship remains fully fit for the mission and resumed flight operations.
The cause of the accident was under investigation.
This is the first known crash of a Navy helicopter in the Pacific since last April, when an MH-60 crashed after takeoff from a destroyer near from Guam.
Last year, two warships of the 7th Fleet were involved in collisions at sea causing 17 American casualties.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a story in development. Please check again for updates.
