A marine was killed and at least nine others were hurt during a training exercise at North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune Wednesday night.
WNCN reports that Marine Corps officials say a CH-53E helicopter belonging to Heavy Helicopter Squadron-464, Marine Aircraft group-29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced a hard landing while conducting training around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The helicopter is the Marine Corps’ primary heavy lift helicopter and has a top speed of 172 mph.
One unidentified person was airlifted to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, where he was pronounced dead.
According to Camp Lejeune officials, that person’s family members are being notified, so the identity of the service member killed is not being released at this time.
One dead, several injured after helicopter accident at Camp Lejeune http://t.co/8sKXnw8nZA pic.twitter.com/egZqDnG6B3
— Marine Corps Reserve (@MarForRes) September 3, 2015
In a statement, a spokesperson said, “[O]ur thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”
UPI is reporting that eight other members of the Camp Lejeune team were taken to Naval Hospital . Six are set to be released; one was admitted but is in stable condition. Three other service members were taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital and are in stable condition. One other service member was taken to a hospital in Greenville.
It is unclear at this time how many of the service members are Marines.
An investigation into the incident has been launched. The identities of the servicemembers involved have not been released.
Supporting Eastern NC military (USMC ) family in time of tragic overnight event aboard Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC pic.twitter.com/F7abyqxikl
— Philip P. Buffa Jr. (@DCFiremanppb) September 3, 2015
According to NBC News , Capt. Ryan Elizabeth Alvis said the name of the dead Camp Lejeune Marine will not be released for 24 hours.
Camp Lejeune is located near Jacksonville, North Carolina.
This story will be updated as information becomes available.
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