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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AP) — The latest on a helicopter incident that killed one Marine and injured 11 others at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina (all times local):
2:40 p.m.
The Marine Corps says a group of about 20 Marines was practicing exiting a helicopter by suspended ropes when the aircraft had to make a hard landing, killing one Marine and injuring 11.
A Marine news release says the service members were practicing Helicopter Ropes Suspension Techniques in a Camp Lejeune training area known as Stone Bay.
The training Wednesday night required the Marines to exit the back of the aircraft using ropes while the helicopter hovers in the air.
The technique allows Marines to enter and exit areas where landing a helicopter would be hard.
12:15 p.m.
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory issued a statement mourning the loss of the Marine who died in the hard landing of a helicopter.
McCrory said he's sure all of North Carolina will join him in prayer for the Marine.
He said the accident "reminds us all of the dangers and sacrifices our military men and women and their families face as they protect our freedom and way of life."
10:25 a.m.
The military now says that 11 U.S. Marines were injured and one killed when a helicopter made a hard landing at a base in North Carolina.
Previously, officials had said nine Marines were injured and one killed in the Wednesday night incident. Officials say the CH-53E helicopter came down hard during a training exercise around 9 p.m. They describe a hard landing as an aircraft landing with greater speed and force than normal, typically after a fast descent.
Officials said in a statement Thursday morning that two Marines remained hospitalized in stable condition. Six were treated and released, and three more have been evaluated and are scheduled for release.
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7:15 a.m.
One Marine has been killed and 9 others were hurt when a helicopter made a hard landing at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Capt. Ryan Elizabeth Alvis said in a statement that the CH-53E helicopter came down hard during a training exercise around 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Alvis said the name of the dead Marine will not be released for 24 hours.
Alvis said a number of the injured were taken to the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. Others were taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville and one was sent to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.
Alvis said the landing is being investigated. No other information was immediately available.
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