At least 11 feared dead in Florida helicopter crash

MIAMI, USA (UPDATED) – Seven US Marines and four aircrew were missing Wednesday, March 11, after an army helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Florida, the military said.

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was reported missing on March 10 around 8:30 pm near Eglin Air Force Base while the area was under heavy fog.

Base spokesman Andy Bourland said search and rescue teams located debris from the aircraft around 2:00 am.

“Search and rescue efforts are underway at the accident site currently,” he added, noting the accident was under investigation.

A US military official told Agence France-Presse that all 11 personnel were feared dead, but officials were still treating the matter as a search and rescue mission.

A second helicopter returned safely to the base.

The aircraft, assigned to the 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion in Hammond, Louisiana, were participating in what the military called a routine training mission with the Marine Special Operations Regiment from Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.

“My thoughts and prayers are with their families as the search and rescue continues,” Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told lawmakers during a hearing. – Rappler.com