‘Bodies Were Everywhere’: 16 killed in fiery Marine plane crash in rural Mississippi

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LEFLORE COUNTY, Miss. — The Marine aircraft that crashed Monday evening, killing 16 people, was a KC-130T from Marine Aerial Refueling and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452, Marine Air Group-49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve. The flight originated from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., as the squadron was supporting a requirement to transport personnel and equipment from there to Naval Air Field El Centro, Calif.

David Habig, a crop-duster pilot who flew over the wreckage told the New York Times: “Lo and behold, all I see are bodies out in the bean field…” — “They were everywhere. It was horrific. I’d never seen anything like it.”

The crew and passengers consisted of 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. Equipment on board included various small arms ammunition and personal weapons. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is at the scene as a precaution.

The identities of the personnel whose lives were lost are still being withheld to allow time for their loved ones to be notified appropriately.

“While the details of the incident are being investigated,” The Marines said in a statement. “Our focus remains on providing the necessary resources and support to the family and friends of these service members as they go through this extremely difficult time.”

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