The Prime Minister confirmed to reporters on Parliament Hill that two people were killed in a helicopter crash near the Petawava garrison.

The Department of National Defense released a statement saying: “Search and recovery efforts are ongoing and official confirmation will be provided upon receipt of more information. Our thoughts are with everyone affected."

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 20, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-147F Chinook with four members of the 450th Tactical Helicopter Squadron plunged into the Ottawa River near Black Bear Beach. The aircraft was on a training mission.

Renfrew County paramedics said late Tuesday morning that two people were taken to a hospital in Pembroke and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Near the base, a search began for two other participants. Petawawa garrison officials said about 50 CAF members ashore and on the water, a Marine unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Petawawa and Pembroke fire stations, and RCAF search and rescue aircraft participated in the search. 424th Transport and Rescue Detachment.