Two Marines Killed In Cobra Helicopter Crash

FOR AN UPDATE

An AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter has crashed on Camp Pendleton killing two marines onboard, according to First Lt. Maureen Dooley of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The crash happened at approximately 1:05 p.m. today at the De Luz Drop Zone, a training area on the southeastern corner of the base, near Fallbrook, Dooley said.

A two-acre blaze is currently burning on the base, but Camp Pendleton fire is on scene, Dooley said.

Residents are reporting that smoke is visible throughout the Lake Elsinore and Temecula valleys.

There are no reports of further injuries or structural damage on the ground, Dooley said.

The crash is under investigation and the names of those killed are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, Dooley said.