May 2 (UPI) — A U.S. military cargo plane carrying nine people crashed a few miles from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in eastern Georgia on Wednesday, U.S. military officials said.
Master Sgt. Roger Parsons, said multiple crew members were killed in the crash, but investigators were gathering information about who was on the plane.
“There were airmen on the plane who were deceased, but we’re not giving out any numbers at this time,” Parsons said.
Chatham County Coroner Dr. Bill Wessinger said it was “highly doubtful that anyone survived the crash.”
The 165th Airlift Wing said the C-130 “Hercules” — from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard — crashed at 11:28 a.m. and shut down roadways off Highway 21, airport spokeswoman Candace Carpenter said.
Puerto Rico National Guard officials said the plane was heading to Arizona for a routine mission.
“While we are waiting for more information regarding this unfortunate accident, my thoughts and those of Beatriz are with the families of the crew,” Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said. “They will receive our support and that of the National Guard of Puerto Rico in this process.”
A tweet from the Savannah Professional Firefighters Association showed the tail section of the crashed plane and advised people to stay away from the area.
“It was horrible,” witness Denver Goodwin told CNN. “The ground shook like a bomb was going off. All the people in the building started panicking. It was absolutely horrible.”
President Donald Trump tweeted condolences for the victims after being briefed on the crash.
“Please join me in thoughts and prayers for the victims, their families and the great men and women of the National Guard,” he wrote.
