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French helicopter in Gabon crash Gabon crash kills French soldiers
(about 12 hours later)
A military helicopter with 10 French soldiers on board has crashed into the sea off the African state of Gabon, killing at least one. A military helicopter with 10 French soldiers on board has crashed into the sea off the African state of Gabon, killing at least two.
The French military say three soldiers survived but six are missing. The French military said three soldiers survived the crash, but one later died from injuries. One body was pulled from the water, and six men remain missing.
Officials say the helicopter had come down near the coastal city of Port Gentil during a joint exercise with Gabonese troops. Officials say the helicopter came down near Port Gentil during a joint exercise with Gabonese troops.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered defence minister to fly to Gabon to oversee the rescue operation. French Defence Minister Herve Morin was travelling to the crash site.
There is no word on the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after take-off. French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered him to oversee the rescue operation, a spokesman said.
There is no word on the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after take-off from a vessel taking part in the joint exercise.