Marines feared dead in military chopper crash

At least four crew members are presumed dead after a military helicopter crashed during a routine training operation.

A CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter has crashed in Southern California. Source: AAP

The CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, went down in Plaster City, California about 2.30pm Pacific Time on Tuesday.

Nearby naval facilities sent fire and security units as well as other helicopters to the scene of the crash, KYMA-TV reported.

The cause of the crash is being investigated and the names of the deceased will not be released until the family have been notified.

Marine officials are also reportedly withholding the name of the crew’s squadron and the base from which it flew, and are promising more information over the next few hours.

The Naval Air Facility El Centro Facebook page confirmed the crash in a media release and will provide updates as they become available.