Eight People Die In Romania Following Two Separate Military Aircraft Crashes

Romania's Defence Ministry announced that eight people have been killed following two separate aircraft crashes on Wednesday.

The Ministry released a statement saying that seven of the people died when their search and rescue helicopter went down nearby the Black Sea.

A fighter jet pilot was also missing at the time but was soon confirmed dead.

The Ministry's sopkesperson, General Constantin Spanu, told reporters:

"In addition to the five crew members ... two sea rescuers from the Romanian naval forces were on board."

The fighter jet took off just before 8.00 pm local time from the base of Mihail Kogalniceanu, but soon lost contact and could no longer be detected on the radar.

Soon afterwards, authorities confirmed that the aircraft crashed 11 kilometres away from the helicopter wreckage in a separate incident.

Spanu said:

"It is premature to discuss the causes of the accident. The weather was unfavourable but we cannot comment at this stage."

The country's President, Klaus Iohannis expressed 'profound regret and full compassion' following the incidents.

It is worth noting that Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu base hosts thousands of NATO troops that are being deployed.

[Based on reporting by: euronews.]