DHAKA: Seven US Marines and four aircrews were missing and presumed dead after their army helicopter crashed during a night training exercise in Florida on Wednesday.

The military officials said this, reports the Times of India on Thursday.

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was reported missing Tuesday around 8:30pm (0030 GMT Wednesday) near Eglin Air Force Base.

The area was under heavy fog but it was not immediately clear if that played a part in the accident.

Base spokesman Andy Bourland said rescue teams located debris from the aircraft at around 2:00 am and an investigation was ongoing.

“The thoughts and prayers of everybody here at the White House are with the families of those who were killed in this that occurred apparently overnight,” spokesman Josh Earnest said.

President Barack Obama had expressed his condolences in phone calls with the military commanders affected.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told lawmakers during a hearing “My thoughts and prayers are with their families as the search and rescue continues.”

BDST: 1006 HRS, MAR 12, 2015