At approximately 0712 EST, the first reports about a possible Canadian Air Force crash began to emerge. By 0830, local Canadian media confirmed that a CH-147 had crashed with four crewmen aboard. Two had been transported to a local hospital while two others remained missing. The Royal Canadian Air Force also confirmed this on their official Twitter page:
The RCAF is aware of an incident involving a CH147 Chinook helicopter that was operating near the Ottawa River in the vicinity of Garrison Petawawa at approximately 12:10 a.m. local time. First responders are currently on scene. More information will be provided as available. pic.twitter.com/MlYaZQmQlG
— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) June 20, 2023
By 0840, both the Canadian Prime Minister and Defense Minister confirmed the reports and told press that rescue operations were underway for the two crewmen.
Search efforts are underway for two members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who are missing after their helicopter crashed into the Ottawa River. I'm keeping all of the members of 450 Squadron in my thoughts as search efforts continue, and I'm wishing a fast and full recovery to…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 20, 2023
I’m thinking of everyone at 450 Squadron and Garrison Petawawa, and family members, as search efforts continue for two missing @CanadianForces personnel. We’re here for you – and we’re doing everything we can to support you.
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) June 20, 2023
By 0850, the Canadian Armed Forces released this press statement:
As of 1200 EST, the search was ongoing and the city of Pembroke issued this warning to residents:
450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron is a Royal Canadian Air Force helicopter squadron.
450 Squadron was deactivated in 1996 before being officially disbanded on January 1, 1998. On May 2, 2012, the squadron was re-established to operate the CH-147F Chinook helicopters of the Royal Canadian Air Force, based out of CFB Petawawa.
The squadron has a dedicated concrete helipad, measuring 160 ft × 160 ft (49 m × 49 m), at Petawawa Heliport. (Wiki)
