Three U.S. firefighters died in the plane crash, when extinguished fires in Australia

The Prime Minister of the Australian state of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the death of three American firefighters in the crash of a tanker aircraft on Thursday, January 23, during the struggle with forest fires.

Officials from the rural fire service announced that it has discovered the C-130 Hercules aircraft, which crashed in the area of the snowy Monaro.

Airline Coulson in Oregon stated that one of its large air tankers C-130 Lockheed was lost after he left the airport to go to fight the fire.

Firefighters battle a wildfire as it burns a home near Bundanoon, New South Wales, Australia, on Thursday, January 23. pic.twitter.com/X6nMdaPLvT

— Xogsan Media (@XogsanM) January 23, 2020

«We are deeply saddened by what has confirmed the death of 3 people, the statement says Coulson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three crew members on Board.»

Berejiklian also expressed «sincere condolences» to the families and said flags in New South Wales will be lowered.

Koala enjoying one of the first rainfalls in Australia since the wildfires began pic.twitter.com/62dq4iLL2i

— Life on Earth (@planetpng) January 20, 2020

After the crash the death toll from the fires has risen to at least 31 from September.

«The only thing I have in field reports, is that the plane went down, crashed,» said the fire Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. He confirmed that all three were residents of the United States.

«At this stage there is no indication what caused the accident,» said Fitzsimmons.

Thursday, January 23, the Canberra airport was closed due to nearby fires, and residents South of the capital of Australia had to seek refuge.

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