US military Osprey aircraft crashes with five Marines aboard

An MV-22B Osprey aircraft with five U.S. Marines on board went down near Glamis, California, on Wednesday, according to the military.

"An aircraft belonging to [the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing] has crashed near Glamis, CA," a tweet on the U.S. Marine Corps Twitter account noted. "Contrary to social media rumors, there was no nuclear material on board the aircraft."

"Update from [the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing]: At approximately 1225 PST, an MV-22B Osprey crashed near Glamis, CA. We are awaiting confirmation of the status of the five Marines who were onboard the aircraft, which was stationed at MCAS Camp Pendleton with Marine Aircraft Group 39," a subsequent tweet noted. "We ask for the public’s patience as we work diligently with first responders and the unit involved to identify what occurred this afternoon," another tweet added.

The Osprey has the capability to fly like a helicopter or an airplane.

"The MV-22B Osprey is a tiltrotor V/STOL aircraft designed as the medium-lift replacement for the CH-46E Sea Knight assault support helicopter. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a turboprop aircraft and offers twice the speed, six times the range, and three times the payload of the CH-46E," according to a description of the aircraft. "The MV-22 Osprey’s mission for the U.S. Marine Corps is the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies from ships and land bases for combat assault and assault support."

Earlier this year, another Osprey crashed amid NATO training exercises in Norway, leaving four Marines dead.

The U.S. Marine Corps posted an eyebrow-raising tweet earlier this month with a graphic that included bullets featuring brightly-colored tips, in an apparent nod to the LGBT rainbow symbol.

"Throughout June, the USMC takes #Pride in recognizing and honoring the contributions of our LGBTQ service members. We remain committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and defend the values of treating all equally, with dignity and respect. #PrideMonth #USMC," the tweet stated.