Death blamed on lack of equipment

A catalogue of serious failures contributed to the death of Corporal Mark Wright, 27, who was killed by a blast as a Chinook helicopter attempted to rescue a platoon of Paras, coroner Andrew Walker said.

Recording a narrative verdict following the conclusion of a two-week inquest at Oxford Coroner's Court, Mr Walker said the lack of resources "was simply about money".

He highlighted three factors that caused Cpl Wright's death - the lack of appropriate UK helicopters in Afghanistan fitted with a winch, the downwash from the Chinook sent to the minefield, and the administrative delay in sending a suitable helicopter.

Cpl Wright, from Edinburgh, was posthumously awarded a George Cross medal - the highest military honour for actions which are not in the face of the enemy.

Six others were hurt, including three who lost limbs, during the incident in the region of Kajaki in Helmand Province on September 6 2006.

Two American Blackhawk helicopters, fitted with winches, were eventually sent to rescue the soldiers - three and a half hours after the first explosion was reported.

Following the inquest his father Bob told reporters that he was proud of the courage his son showed in serving his country.

Reading a statement on behalf of him and his wife Jem he said: "We are satisfied that Mark did not cause his own death or contribute to it in any way. This will give us some peace of mind.

"As to the how, it has been painful to listen to the catalogue of errors that led to Mark's death. However, the coroner has made recommendations that must be followed. Jem and I don't want any other families to experience the loss of their child in similar circumstances."