The 5 Marines have been on an MV-22B Osprey when it went down close to Glamis, California, simply north of the Mexican border round 12:30 p.m. PDT (2130 GMT) on Wednesday, the Marine Corps stated in an announcement.
“We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap,” Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering stated. “Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy.”
The names and ages of the Marines weren’t launched.
The Osprey, which might take off and land like a helicopter and fly like a traditional winged aircraft, was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station at Camp Pendleton about 140 miles (225 km) west of Glamis.
Contrary to posts on social media and early radio calls from the scene by emergency responders, there have been no nuclear supplies onboard, stated Corporal Sarah Marshall, a spokesperson for the third Marine Aircraft Wing, which operates the aircraft, in response to the Los Angeles Times.
(Reporting by Brendan O’Brien; modifying by Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio)