Two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed Wednesday night during a routine training mission in Trigg County, Kentucky, officials said.
US Army Military officials are present at the scene and have reported multiple fatalities. Early reports indicate that up to 9 individuals may have lost their lives.
WKDZ Radio reported:
Several people were killed when multiple helicopters crashed in Trigg County Wednesday night.
Fort Campbell public affairs confirmed that two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a routine training mission. The press release did not provide the status of the crewmembers but said the command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.
Trigg County emergency personnel said the crash occurred between Bobby Light Road and Lancaster Road around 9:35 pm.
A U.S. Army soldier at the scene confirmed multiple deaths with Trigg County Coroner John Mark Vinson called to the scene. Fort Campbell officials arrived on the scene about an hour after the crash to begin their investigation.
One witness, who lives about a half mile from the crash site, said they heard ‘a pop’ and ‘two booms’. Trigg County Jailer James Hughes also lives about a half mile away and heard what he believed to be a collision.
“We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear stated.
ABC News also reported the incident:
Trigg County, where the crash occurred, is about 25 miles northwest of Fort Campell, a military installation on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
Kentucky State Police troopers found the wreckage in a location described as either a field or a semi-wooded area, said Sarah Burgess, a police spokesperson. There were no reports of damage to residential buildings, but residents within the debris field were asked to leave the area.
“I can’t speak on behalf of the residents other than we are doing everything we can to assess the situation and make sure that our community is as safe as it can be,” Burgess said.
