A US Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington around 9 p.m. on 17/9 during a routine training mission. The helicopter was carrying 4 special forces soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), the US Army said in a statement on 18/9.

A search and rescue operation was launched, but crews were initially unable to reach the crash site due to a wildfire sparked by the accident, which spread across nearly 4,000 square meters.

A US Black Hawk helicopter near Murray, 2017. Photo: Seattle Times

A US Black Hawk helicopter near Murray, 2017. Photo: Seattle Times

The soldiers are currently listed as "missing." "The situation remains fluid," the Army statement said.

Army spokesperson Ruth Castro said all efforts are currently "in the search phase, with the most professional, experienced forces involved." The search team includes specialized local rescue units and King County's Guardian 1 helicopter.

Smoke rises from the crash site. Photo: Seattle Times

Smoke rises from the crash site. Photo: Seattle Times

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office was the first to respond to reports of the helicopter crash near the base. The agency received initial reports that the "military lost contact with a helicopter in the area."

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said officers attempted to reach the scene but "were unable to continue rescue efforts due to the active fire in the forest."

The UH-60 helicopter has a crew of 4 and can carry 11 fully equipped soldiers or 6 medical litters. The aircraft has a top speed of over 290 km/h and a range of nearly 600 km. The MH-60 is a variant upgraded for special operations.

Duc Trung (NY Post, AP)