LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Five Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing have died following an aviation mishap involving an MV-22B Osprey during a training mission near Glamis, California on Wednesday afternoon.
Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing issued the following statement, “We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy.”
Identities of the deceased will not be released until 24-hours after next-of-kin are notified. Equipment recovery efforts have begun and an investigation into the incident is underway.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing confirmed that an aircraft belonging to the aviation unit with five marines on board crashed Wednesday near Glamis in Southern California.
Initial reports by media outlets in Southern California claimed that there may have been nuclear material on the aircraft, but the Naval Air Facility El Centro confirmed that there was none on board.
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Department told us that they responded to reports of a downed aircraft near Coachella Canal Rd and Hwy 78.
The Naval Air Facility El Centro put out this statement on their Facebook page: “EMERGENCY ALERT! #NAFEC has just received reports of a downed aircraft in the vicinity of Coachella Canal Road and the 78. Installation Federal Fire, and Imperial County Fire Department are responding, We have no additional details at this time. As facts become verified and available, information will be released on the base’s Facebook page. Please be patient as the installation team works through this emergency.”
It is unknown at this time what has caused the crash.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
