NEWS: Afghan helicopter 'shot down'

4 people are dead after a helicopter was brought down by small arms fire in Kandahar, Afghanistan Sunday morning. There were conflicting reports about casualties and the number on board, but so far the Australian pilot is confirmed as dead and a US passenger who was setting up health clinics seriously injured.


CNN.com

"Afghan military officials said the crash occurred in the Thaloqan area, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of the southern city of Kandahar. They said four people were killed.

The embassy spokesman said the crash happened Sunday morning and there were conflicting reports about casualties.

"We have sent the investigation team to the area to find out more," said Khan Mohammad, the corps commander in Kandahar.

Louis Berger is involved in major road construction projects, including in southern Afghanistan where rebels of the former ruling Taliban regime are active.

No other details were immediately available.

The U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, said he had heard reports of a helicopter crashing Sunday, but could not give any details.

"We have heard similar reports, but no United States or coalition forces were involved," he said."

more to follow...

[Edited on 22-2-2004 by John Nada]