A US military plane carrying five Marines crashed in southern California on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson.
There was no information on deaths immediately, but the military disputed claims that the plane was transporting radioactive material when it crashed near Glamis, about 20 miles (35 kilometers) from the Mexican border.
News of having nuclear material on board the aircraft was circulated right after the crash, which the US military denied.
“Contrary to initial reports, there was no nuclear material on board the aircraft. More information will be made available as we receive it,” the US Marines stated.
“We can confirm that an aircraft belonging to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing crashed near Glamis,” a spokesman told AFP.
“Five Marines were onboard the aircraft, and we are awaiting confirmation on the status of all members of the crew.
Investigators have presumed all passengers are dead, according to FOX 5 reporter Malik Earnest.
“Military and civilian first responders are on site. Contrary to social media rumors, there was no nuclear material on board the aircraft.”
The plane was an MV-22B Osprey based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.
The Osprey is a “vertical takeoff and landing” aircraft with rotary wings that may be pointed upward for the maneuverability of a helicopter or forward for the range of a plane.
The US military has had a number of aircraft crashes, including one in Norway that killed four Marines in March.
During the past 30 years, a total of 46 people have been killed in Osprey accidents in different regions.
The Norwegian rescue center said the US military plane – which was carrying out a training mission – disappeared south of Bodo and its latest location was registered in Saltfjellet.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar English Website)