U.S. soldiers Lithuania accident: Three American Army troops were discovered dead when their armored vehicle sank into a peat bog during a military drill in Lithuania. They are still looking for a fourth soldier.
What Happened?
On Tuesday, March 25, four U.S. soldiers went missing when their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle sank while attempting to tow an immobilized tactical vehicle.
The soldiers were part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, deployed in Lithuania under Operation Atlantic Resolve. They were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Recovery Efforts
- Hundreds of U.S. and Lithuanian soldiers and law enforcement personnel searched through the dense forest and swampy terrain.
- Specialized excavators, helicopters, and pumps were used to stabilize the soft ground and extract the 63-ton vehicle.
- After six days of operations, three soldiers were recovered on Monday, March 31.
U.S. Army’s Response
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, expressed deep sorrow:
“The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers — they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but the search isn’t finished until everyone is home.”
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, hosts U.S. troops as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which was launched after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.As the search for the fourth missing soldier continues, the military community mourns the loss of three American heroes.
Source: NBC News
