Recovery efforts will continue today to determine what caused the Boeing MV-22B aircraft carrying 23 US marines to crash off the Northern Territory coast.
Three marines died and 20 were injured, with five of those taken to hospital in a serious condition.
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A Code Brown was established at the Royal Darwin Hospital, the Northern Territory Government confirmed.
“The Code Brown enables Royal Darwin Hospital staff to effectively manage multiple patients when there is an external incident that requires a system-wide response,” the statement said.
“Updates will be provided as additional information is available.”
The US aircraft was participating in a multinational military exercise when it crashed in the vicinity of Melville Island about 9.30am on Sunday.
Air traffic control recordings revealed the pilot declared an emergency, adding there was a “significant fire in the vicinity of the crash site”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the crash was a “difficult incident”.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the three US service personnel who lost their lives, those who have been injured, the rest of the crew and indeed the entire United States armed forces.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Australian Defence Force personnel in the Northern Territory are providing support to our US partners.
“This incident is a reminder of the significance of the service undertaken by our personnel and those of our partner nations.”