US administration saddened by Iraq helicopter crash

WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (AFP) - The White House on Wednesday said US officials were saddened by a helicopter crash in Iraq that reportedly left more than 30 US soldiers dead in the biggest single loss of American life in Iraq since the 2003 invasion.
"We are saddened anytime there is loss of life where our troops are in harm's way. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen," said spokesman Scott McClellan, who declined to confirm the news reports.
Earlier, the military reported that a US Marine transport helicopter had crashed early Wednesday in western Iraq, close to the Jordanian border. CNN and ABC television reported that 31 US soldiers were killed.
It was unclear whether it was an accident or whether the aircraft was shot down, CNN said.
"I'll let the military provide information to you about what they know at this point. They're investigating the matter," said McClellan.
The spokesman said that US President George W. Bush's planned 10:00 am (1500 GMT) press conference had been scheduled prior to reports that the helicopter had gone down.

01/26/2005 14:55 GMT - AFP