According to a report, a U.S. military aircraft crashed into a concrete barrier while attempting takeoff from a Philippine roadway, and officials confirmed that U.S. service members on board were injured.
“Two soldiers were transported to a medical facility for medical attention,” the statement said. “One of the individuals has been discharged, while the other is under medical care and in stable condition. No civilians were injured.”
The command said the incident is currently under investigation.
The accident happened during emergency training on a bypass in the city of Laoac, The Associated Press reported, citing a local police report.
The plane landed successfully but veered off course during takeoff and struck a concrete barrier, Philippine officials told the press.
Two US soldiers are seen in front of an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicle parked outside the World Trade Center during the 2024 Asian Defense and Security Exhibition (ADAS) in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on September 25, 2024. (Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Philippine officials reportedly said the training exercise, which was fully coordinated with local civil, police and military authorities, was aimed at preparing the armed forces for emergency situations when traditional runways are unusable due to disasters such as typhoons or earthquakes.
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U.S. troops regularly deploy aircraft to the Philippines to assist with humanitarian relief efforts after natural disasters. The 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement allows U.S. troops to train alongside Philippine forces.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, especially in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines have clashed over disputed territory.
In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship uses water cannon on a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, South China Sea, while blocking the route during a resupply mission on August 5, 2023. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP, file)
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The US has reaffirmed that it would defend the Philippines under a mutual defense treaty if its forces were attacked.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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