Sixteen US troops were killed when a Marine Corps transport aircraft crashed in the southern state of Mississippi, officials confirmed Tuesday.

"A Marine Corps KC-130 transport aircraft crashed in LeFlore County, Mississippi, on July 10 at approximately 4 pm CDT (2200 GMT), claiming the lives of 16 service members," the Marine Corps said in a statement.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

US President Donald Trump, in a tweet, called the news "heartbreaking." "Melania and I send our deepest condolences to all."  

Source: AFP