Death toll climbs after military plane crash

A U.S. military plane used for refueling on Monday crashed into a field in rural Mississippi, killing at least 16 people aboard, spreading debris for miles and creating a fiery wreckage, according to multiple reports.

CNN reported that the reason for the crash of the KC-130 aircraft is not yet known, but officials told the news outlet that the plane went down at approximately 4 p.m. CDT in Leflore County.

The jet’s flight began at the North Carolina Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, near the Atlantic coast, while unnamed officials told the news outlet that the jet also made a stop in Memphis, Tenn.

President Trump early Tuesday said the crash is “heartbreaking” and sent his condolences.

“Marine Plane crash in Mississippi is heartbreaking. Melania and I send our deepest condolences to all!” the president wrote on Twitter.

Updated at 9:20 a.m.