MOD Statement
3rd February 2005 08:00hrs GMT
www.mod.uk
An RAF C-130K Hercules crashed near the town of At Taji, 30 kilometres north-west of Baghdad on 30 January 2005 at approximately 1635 local time. The aircraft was on a routine operational flight to Balad. We have received the following statement from the Ministry of Defence:

"Following the crash of the RAF Hercules C130 on Sunday, 30 January 2005, north-west of Baghdad, a thorough and extensive search of the crash site has taken place with the assistance of US forces. This process has now been completed.

"Sadly, the process of identifying remains may take some time to complete, but repatriation to the UK will take place as soon as possible. Our priority throughout this tragedy remains the families of those who were on board the aircraft. We are maintaining close contact with them to ensure that they are updated on developments. We hope the privacy and sensitivities of the families will be respected at this very difficult time.

"We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of the crash. The head of the investigation team has visited the site and remains in theatre. We are satisfied that in the operational circumstances as thorough a search as possible has been conducted and all the available evidence needed has been collected to aid ongoing investigation.

"We would like to express our gratitude to the US forces who responded rapidly and provided invaluable assistance following the crash."