A Romanian military helicopter flying to take part in a joint exercise with US forces crashed on Friday, killing eight servicemen on board and injuring two, the defence ministry said.

The Romanian-built IAR-330 Puma helicopter came down near the central town of Malancrav, a ministry official told AFP. An investigation has been opened into the crash.

Medical services said the two injured servicemen were being treated for multiple burns.

The aircraft had taken off from its base in Campia Turzii and was heading towards the central town of Cincu to participate in the joint Romanian-US military drill taking place Friday.

Romania, a NATO member, shares a border with Ukraine.

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