National Guard Plane Active in Hurricane Relief Crashes Near Savannah, GA
While performing a training mission, an U.S. C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard crashed about 11:30 a.m. today near the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport with 5 people on board. (1/2)
— National Guard (@USNationalGuard) May 2, 2018
An Air National Guard C-130 cargo plane crashed about a mile from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia around 11:30 Wednesday morning. The plane managed to miss people on the ground as it hit busy State Highway 21, but sadly, at least five National Guard members aboard from Puerto Rico were killed.
Local members currently on scene assisting with clean up. pic.twitter.com/lSuRcqTx56
— IAFF574 Savannah (@IAFF574) May 2, 2018
Military c130 down at 21 and Gulfstream Rd. Avoid the area. 21 shut down until further notice. pic.twitter.com/6hUqwmkNUu
— IAFF574 Savannah (@IAFF574) May 2, 2018
The plane belonged to the 156th Air Wing out of Puerto Rico. Its crew was flying from Savannah to Arizona on a mission. The Savannah Air National Guard base was designated in September of 2017 as the hub of operations to the island in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria. The 156th used its C-130 aircraft to evacuate US citizens from St. Maarten the same month.
We are saddened by the tragic news of an Air National Guard C-130 crash earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and Airmen close to those affected by this event.
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) May 2, 2018
In a tweet, the Governor of Puerto Rico said, “While we are waiting for more information regarding this unfortunate accident, my thoughts and those of Beatrice are with the families of the crew. You will receive our support and that of the National Guard of Puerto Rico in this process.”
