Here’s what we know so far about the crash and how it’s impacting a major Georgia city.
Crews are still cleaning the roadway after a military aircraft crashed along a southeast Georgia highway. Here’s what we know so far about the crash and how it’s impacting a major Georgia city.
The crash involved a C-130 «Hercules» military aircraft from the Puerto Rico National Guard. According to the Georgia National Guard, the cargo airplane was performing a training mission when it crashed.
► ‘A plane is falling!’| Witness describes C130 military aircraft crash in Savannah
The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2,2018.
In Chatham County, Georgia near the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. The aircraft crashed along Georgia Highway 21. The crash was reported to be just past Crossgate Road.
A surveillance camera from a gas station caught video of the plane as it came down.
The aircraft itself was from the 156th Air Wing out of Puerto Rico. It was heading to Tuscon, Arizona from Savannah where it was being repaired.
The Associated Press reports that the crew was on a mission to retire the 60-year-old plane.
Local authorities have not released the names of any of the people onboard the aircraft. However, a Puerto Rico official confirmed to the Associated Press that there were nine people aboard. A local official also said that there appear to be no survivors in the crash.
Puerto Rico Adjutant General Isabelo Rivera said the crew members were all a part of the military and said they were a mix of air crew and operations crew.
Puerto Rican officials are working to formally notify family members of the people on board.
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According to the U. S. Air Force, the C-130 «Hercules» is a large airplane with an unobstructed, fully-pressurized cargo hold that can rapidly be reconfigured for various uses. It also has a «tremendous lift capacity, long range, and austere landing field capabilities.»
► What to know about the C130 Hercules military aircraft
According to the Air National Guard, a board of officers will investigate the accident.
Since this crash involves a military aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration is not the primary agency investigating the crash.
The Georgia Air National Guard said authorities don’t yet know what caused the crash according to the Associated Press.
Highway 21 from GA 307 to Gulfstream Road is closed due to debris on the highway. A nearby CSX railroad track has also been closed due to the debris.
Power and internet services were shut down to nearby Port Wentworth Elementary School and Rice Creek School.
Flights from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport are facing only minimal delays.
