A military aircraft carrying four Marines burst into flames in North Carolina Thursday morning, according to reports.
A Marine Osprey ignited and hard-landed in a forest area in Bladen County during a training exercise, according to WWAY 3.
Four Marines were aboard the aircraft — one of whom suffered burns and was rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment, the Bladen County fire chief told the outlet.
The fire was still ablaze when the outlet spoke to the chief.
Training exercises by the nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune had been planned all week.
“On Oct. 8, personnel and visitors may notice increased exercise and emergency-response activity in the French Creek area … AVOID THIS AREA IF POSSIBLE, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m,” the base wrote on its website.
The Marines did not confirm what unit the Osprey was flying with, pending a forthcoming statement.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
