NEW : Military spokesman characterizes initial reports as to an accident . Iraq : Other vehicles in the convoy did not sustain damage , spokesman says . Odierno said he is `` encouraged '' by the growth of Iraqi security forces and the national police . U.S. military : A Chinook helicopter crashed 62 miles ( 100 km ) south of Basra . Twin car bombs outside a hospital kill eight , wounded 25 .
NEW : Military spokesman characterizes initial reports as to an accident . Iraq : Other vehicles in the convoy did not sustain damage , spokesman says . U.S. military : A Chinook helicopter crashed 62 miles ( 100 km ) south of Basra . Twin car bombs outside a hospital kill eight , wounded 25 .