Three Americans Fatally Injured In The Accident

A C-130 Hercules water tanker owned by Oregon-based Coulson Aviation has gone down in New South Wales, Australia while fighting bush fires in the region.

Three American crew members were fatally injured Thursday when the plane went down in the state's Snowy Morano region, according to a report from The Oregonian newspaper. The accident was confirmed by New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

In a statement, Coulson Aviation said that one of its Lockheed-manufactured tankers went down after it left Richmond in NSW loaded with fire retardant. The company offered few details about the accident other than to say it was "extensive."

"We are deeply saddened to confirm there were three fatalities,” the company said in a news release. “The accident response team has been activated as well as local emergency services. Coulson Aviation will be sending a team to the site to assist in emergency operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three crew members onboard.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said there was a large fireball associated with the accident. No survivors have been located, he said.

Coulson has reportedly grounded its aircraft as a precaution pending an investigation. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the accident.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report