The Secretary-General regrets to inform that today, at approximately 09:20 a.m. local time, an MI-8 UNAMSIL civil contractor helicopter, carrying over twenty United Nations and non-United Nations personnel, crashed in Sierra Leone, while conducting an operational flight from Hastings to Yengema.

While the rescue effort is ongoing, it appears that there may be no survivors in this tragic incident. The United Nations has launched an investigation into the event. The Secretary-General extends his deep condolences to the families and Governments of those who have perished in this tragedy. He once again pays tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives in the name of peace in this and other important peacekeeping operations.