Marine dies, 11 hurt in N.C. chopper crash

One Marine has died and 11 were injured in a helicopter crash at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the Marines said.

A CH-53E helicopter belonging experienced a "hard landing" at the base late Wednesday, 1st Lt. Danielle Phillips said Thursday. An investigation of the crash was underway.

"Although we are moving quickly on this, we know that it will likely take weeks, even months, to conduct the thorough investigations required for a mishap of this magnitude," Phillips told Paste BN.

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune said one Marine was flown there from the crash site and pronounced dead. Nine Marines were scheduled for release Thursday and two remained hospitalized in stable condition.

The identity of the Marine who died will be withheld until 24 hours after family is notified, Phillips said.

Spokeswoman Capt. Kendra Motz said in a statement that family members of all the Marines involved are being provided with updates on the crash and any assistance they need.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time," the Marines said in a statement.