PORT WENTWORTH -- First responders from multiple agencies, including many from Effingham County, are at the scene of a military plane crash near the intersection of Hwy 21 and Gulfstream Road.

The Air National Guard C-130 Hercules was reportedly headed to an Air Force Base in Arizona, carrying nine passengers. The Chatham County Coroner's Office has confirmed nine deaths, according to the Associated Press.

Southbound traffic on Hwy 21 was initially blocked at Bonny Bridge Road. The cordoned area has since been extended to Jimmy DeLoach Boulevard.