U.S. military chopper crash kills 2 marines in southern California

U.S. military chopper crash kills 2 marines in southern California

2011-09-20 19:00:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA (BNO NEWS) -- Two U.S. Marines were confirmed dead after a military helicopter crashed in southern California on Monday, officials said.

The AH-1 Cobra helicopter crashed within the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton grounds, which is located near Fallbrook in San Diego County in Southern California. Following the accident, two marines on board the aircraft were confirmed dead.

Miramar Air Station representative Sergeant Sean McGinty said the mishap occurred at around 1 p.m. local time. The two marines were pronounced dead after emergency teams reached the crash site. Their names were not immediately released pending notification of next of kin.

The helicopter, which belongs to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, crashed in the southeast section of Camp Pendleton, sparking a brush fire. Cal Fire teams were deployed to the area to help in the firefighting as the flames are moving northeast. While the fire currently poses no threat to residents, officials have advised locals to monitor the situation.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

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