Marine Corps: 5 Marines killed in aircraft crash in California desert

Five Marines aboard an MV-22B Osprey aircraft died after a crash during a training mission in the California desert.

The Marine Corps issued a statement saying the crash happened near Glamis, California, Wednesday afternoon.

The aircraft was based at Camp Pendleton with Marine Aircraft Group 39 and was part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, the Associated Press reports.

“We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap,” Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy.”

The identities of the service members have not yet been released, pending next-of-kin notifications.

An investigation is underway, according to the Marine Corps statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.