Seven US based Marines have been killed

ARIZONA: Seven U.S. Marines have been killed in southern Arizona in the midair collision of two U.S. military helicopters, officials reported on Thursday.

Late on Wednesday the crash occurred during routine training operations at the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Maj.

Carl B. Redding, Jr. of the Marine Corps said in a statement.

The collision involved an AH-1W “Super Cobra” attack helicopter and a UH-1Y “Huey” utility chopper, which the military has long used for a variety of tasks. They were part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Authorities were investigating the incident which occurred in a remote area of a training range complex.