The seven Marines killed in a helicopter collision Wednesday night near Yuma, Arizona were scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan, according to the Arizona Republic. The newspaper reports six of the Marines were stationed at Camp Pendleton, and one was with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
Although none of the Marines has yet been identified, Yuma Commanding Officer Col. Robert Kuckuk said at a press briefing today that the Yuma Marine was a captain who was both a pilot and instructor. Said Kuckuk:
The helicopters involved in the collision were an AH-1 W Cobra and UH-1 Huey. The Arizona Republic reports they were both carrying explosives.
Phoenix television station 12 News has more on the collision, including aerial video of the crash site:
