The UN Security Council has called for an investigation into the circumstances in which a UN helicopter crashed in Bentiu on Tuesday. 

Three Russian crew members died and another was injured in the crash. The helicopter was flying from Wau to Bentiu when it crashed.

In a statement, the Council says those responsible for the crash must be held accountable.

It says the members of the Security Council have condemned the crash of the helicopter.

“The members of the Security Council strongly emphasize that those responsible for the attack must be held accountable and all necessary measures to avoid such attacks in the future must be taken,” said Robert Orr, spokesman of the UN Secretary General.

He said the Council also urges UNMISS to take additional measures to ensure the security of its air operations.

“They also requested that UNMISS takes additional measures, as appropriate, to ensure the security of its air operations in South Sudan and report thereon to the Council.”

Mr. Robert says the council extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew members who died in the crash.

Bentiu is one of the towns that have been worst affected by the fighting that started in December last year.

The U.S government has condemned the downing of a UN Mission helicopter outside Unity State capital Bentiu.

A statement by the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samantha Power, condemned the killing of three Russian crew members who were on board.

She says her government welcomes the UN’s announcement that it will conduct a full investigation.

Ambassador Power also urged the Government of South Sudan to initiate a full, transparent and prompt investigation of the incident, and to fully cooperate with the UN’s investigation.

The U.S official demanded that the perpetrators of this heinous crime must be found and brought to justice.