DEVELOPING: 11 Feared Dead in Blackhawk Crash

A military training mission gone awry Tuesday evening may have resulted in the death of 11 service members in Florida’s Panhandle.

According to Eglin Air Force Base, two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters assigned to the Army National Guard in Hammond, La., were taking part in an overnight training mission Tuesday when the crash occurred. One of the helicopters involved in the mission was reported missing around 8:30 p.m., Air Force officials announced in a media release.

That helicopter was carrying four crewmembers and seven Marines who were assigned to Camp LaJeune, N.C.

A search and rescue team discovered debris from the helicopter around 2 a.m. Wednesday. While search and rescue efforts continue, Eglin has confirmed that human remains have been located, WTSP is reporting.

While all those on board are presumed dead, the station quoted Eglin spokeswoman Sara Vidoni as saying “there is always hope.”

The names of those onboard will not be released until next of kin are notified.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy of Eglin Air Force Base

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