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Osprey fire forces emergency landing in Bladen Lakes State Forest; Marine injured

An MV-22B Osprey made an emergency landing during a training operation in Bladen County on Oct. 8 after catching fire. One of the four Marines aboard was taken to a burn center, and military officials are investigating.

Osprey fire forces emergency landing in Bladen Lakes State Forest; Marine injured
An MV-22B Osprey based at Marine Corps Air Station New River made an emergency landing in Bladen Lakes State Forest in Bladen County on Thursday, Oct. 8, after catching fire during a military training operation, according to reports and a statement from military officials. The incident occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m. The statement described it as a “mishap” and said four Marines were aboard. One Marine was taken to a burn center; the other three were not injured, according to reporting from the scene. Multiple fire crews responded, but the aircraft’s location in the woods made it difficult for responders to bring trucks and water to the fire. Video showed emergency crews traveling along a dirt road into the forest. Officials from Camp Lejeune were flown in to investigate. Bladen Lakes State Forest is about 80 miles from the Osprey’s home station. No cause for the fire was reported.

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