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Original report:
Sixteen service members who died on Monday when a Marine Corps plane crashed in Mississippi were based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base in the Hudson Valley Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday.
The plane, a KC-130, crashed around 4 p.m. Monday in Leflore County, Miss., the military said on Tuesday."The crew and passengers consisted of 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman," the Marines said in a statement. "Equipment on board included various small arms ammunition and personal weapons."
The identities of the personnel, all based in Stewart in Newburgh in Orange County, have not been released, but the Marines said: "While the details of the incident are being investigated, 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."
Recovery officials working the crash site said they were proceeding cautiously because of the flames and the fear of exploding ordinance.
“An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is at the scene as a precaution in the interest of safety,” the Marines added.
Cuomo said on Twitter: Saddened to learn the crew of yesterday's Marine Corps crash was based at Stewart ANGB. As we learn more, keep them in your thoughts".
The flight, which originated from the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, N.C., was transporting personnel and equipment from there to Naval Air Field El Centro, Calif., the Marines said.
The Marines said they would release additional details as the investigation progresses.
President Trump called the crash “heartbreaking," in a Tweet on Tuesday.
“Melania and I send our deepest condolences to all!”
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