UNITED NATIONS, March 17 - The Head of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) Mongi Hamdi on Tuesday extended condolences to families of two Dutch UN peacekeepers who died in a plane crash.

Earlier on Tuesday, an Apache attack helicopter of MINUSMA had to make a hard landing about 42 km north of Gao in northern Mali, killing two crew members, said a news release from UN spokesperson 's Office.

The accident took place during an exercise conducted by MINUSMA 's Dutch contingent in this area, said the release.

MINUSMA and the Netherlands will send specialized investigators to the scene to establish the exact circumstances of the accident, according to the release.

MINUSMA was established by the UN Security Council in April 2013 to support political process in Mali and fulfill mandates on security in the country.