US military aircraft crash injures 5 during Philippines training exercise

A US military plane crashed into a concrete barrier while attempting to take off from a Philippine highway, and officials confirmed that American soldiers on board were injured, according to a report.

US Indo-Pacific Command confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital that the incident occurred on Tuesday in Central Luzon, Philippines, while the aircraft was training.

“The two soldiers were transported to a medical facility for medical attention,” the statement said. “One of the individuals has been discharged, while the other remains under medical care and is in stable condition. No civilians were injured.”

The incident is currently under investigation, the command said.

The accident occurred during emergency training on a ring road in the town of Laoac, Associated Press reported, citing a local police report.

Philippine officials said the plane landed successfully but went off course during takeoff and hit a concrete barrier.

Two American 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 Expo (ADAS) in Pasay City on September 25, 2024 in Metro Manila, Philippines. (Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Philippine officials reportedly said the training exercise, which was fully coordinated with local civilian, police and military authorities, was designed to prepare the force for emergencies in which traditional runways become unusable due to disasters such as typhoons or earthquakes.

SEVEN US SERVICE MEMBERS WERE INJURED IN RAID TO CAPTURE MADURO IN VENEZUELA

U.S. forces frequently deploy aircraft to the Philippines to assist with humanitarian relief following natural disasters. The 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement allows U.S. troops to train with Filipino forces.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, particularly in the South China Sea, where China and the Philippines are clashing 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 ship near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea during a resupply mission on August 5, 2023. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP, File)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

The United States reaffirmed that it will defend the Philippines under the mutual defense agreement if the Philippines is attacked.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related Article