Missing military members found dead after RCAF helicopter crash

The Canadian Armed Forces say search has ended for two people missing since a Royal Canadian Air Force helicopter that crashed early Tuesday morning near Garrison Petawawa in eastern Ontario.

In a statement released Wednesday, government officials confirmed that the missing two members were found deceased Tuesday evening.

The identities of the deceased members are not being released at this time at the request of their families.

Earlier, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters he had spoken with Gen. Wayne Eyre, chief of the defence staff, to offer condolences for the members “who’ve been killed” and promised a “thorough investigation” into the incident.

The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide an immediate response as to why Trudeau said the military personnel had been killed in his English remarks to reporters.

The Royal Canadian Air Force tweeted just before 7 a.m. saying a CH147 Chinook helicopter was involved in an incident around 12:10 a.m. during a training flight near the Garrison Petawawa military base.

The RCAF is aware of an incident involving a CH147 Chinook helicopter that was operating near the Ottawa River in the vicinity of Garrison Petawawa at approximately 12:10 a.m. local time. First responders are currently on scene. More information will be provided as available. pic.twitter.com/MlYaZQmQlG

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) June 20, 2023

The Canadian Armed Forces says there were a total of four 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron crew members on board at the time of the accident.

First responders found two other members of the crew and brought them to hospital in Pembroke for treatment.

An extensive search effort was conducted by approximately 50 CAF members, an Ontario Provincial Police marine unit, regional fire departments, and search and rescue aircrafts from the RCAF’s 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, including a Griffon SAR helicopter and Hercules aircraft.

The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety is currently investigating the crash to determine the cause.

This is a developing news story. More to come.