Four US Marines 'killed in California helicopter crash'
CH-53E Super Stallion goes down near El Centro
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Four US Marines are presumed dead following a helicopter crash during a training mission in southern California.
The Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is understood to have gone down near Plaster City at 2:35pm local time on Tuesday.
“We are currently still responding to what we have confirmed as a single helicopter incident," Naval Air Facility El Centro said in a statement on Facebook.
The identities of the crew members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next-of-kin were told of the tragedy, the military said.
The cause of the crash is being investigated.
It would be the deadliest crash for the Marines since a Navy plane went down in the Mississippi Delta in July, killing all 16 onboard.
Designed to lift heavy objects, such as military vehicles, from ship to shore, it is considered one of the biggest helicopters in the world.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments