Two crewmembers of the Royal Canadian Air Force are injured and two others are missing after they were involved in a helicopter crash Tuesday morning near Ottawa.
A four-member crew was on a training flight overnight when the Chinook helicopter they were in crashed into the Ottawa River near Garrison Petawawa, Ont., the Department of National Defence said in a statement.
Two other members of the crew taken to hospital in Pembroke after they were found by first responders, DND said.
By Tuesday morning, nearly 50 Canadian Armed Forces members were assisting the rescue efforts on shore and water, along with RCAF aircraft, an Ontario Provincial Police marine unit and local fire departments.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also confirmed the incident on Twitter, wishing the injured a “fast and full recovery”.
“In this difficult time, we’re here for you,” he said.
Defence Minister Anita Anand said the government was doing everything they can to support the RCAF crew and their loved ones.
“I’m thinking of everyone at 450 Squadron and Garrison Petawawa, and family members, as search efforts continue for two missing @CanadianForces personnel. We’re here for you – and we’re doing everything we can to support you,” she said on Twitter.
As the search effort continues, DND is asking boaters in the area to steer clear of the shores near Garrison Petawawa and avoid “potentially hazardous materials” from the crashed aircraft.
Petawawa is about 160 kilometres northwest of Ottawa.
— with files from The Canadian Press
