At least 16 people aboard a US military helicopter died when it  crashed in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday.

"Sixteen people have now been confirmed dead in the crash of a Coalition CH-47 transport helicopter near Ghazni on Wednesday afternoon. Eighteen people, including crew members and passengers, were listed on the flight manifest; two remain unaccounted for," said a statement released by US-led coalition in Afghanistan.

The victims were not identified. 

"Initial reports indicate that the cause of the crash was severe weather," it said.

The helicopter, which crashed near Khudaidad village, 160 km southeast of Kabul, was on a 'routine mission'  comprising two Chinooks returning to Bagram airfield. The second helicopter returned to the base safely.

Bad weather hampered and delayed search and rescue operations.