9 killed in Army Black Hawk helicopter crash in Kentucky
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UPDATE, 9:40 a.m.: Nine people were killed in a crash involving two Army Black Hawk helicopters in Kentucky, a military spokesperson said.
Nondice Thurman, a spokesperson for Fort Campbell, said Thursday morning that the deaths happened the previous night in southwestern Kentucky during a routine training mission.
A statement from Fort Campbell says the two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, part of the 101st Airborne Division, crashed around 10 p.m. Wednesday in Trigg County, Kentucky. The 101st Airborne confirmed the crash about 30 miles northwest of Fort Campbell. The crash is under investigation.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Two Army helicopters crashed in southwestern Kentucky during a routine training mission, causing several casualties, military officials said.
The two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, part of the 101st Airborne Division, crashed around 10 p.m. Wednesday in Trigg County, Kentucky, according to a statement from Fort Campbell.
The 101st Airborne confirmed the crash about 30 miles northwest of Fort Campbell, saying on Twitter it resulted in “several casualties” but did not specify whether those were injuries or deaths.
We can confirm two aircraft from the 101st were involved in an accident last night resulting in serveral casualties.
Right now the focus is on the Soldiers and their families who were involved. pic.twitter.com/eG5ndWVvbT— 101st Airborne Div. (@101stAASLTDIV) March 30, 2023
“Right now our focus is on the Soldiers and their families who were involved,” it added.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear had said earlier that fatalities were expected, adding that police and emergency officials were responding.
The crash is under investigation.
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.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) March 30, 2023
“The crash occurred in a field, some wooded area,” Kentucky State Police Trooper Sarah Burgess said at a news briefing. “At this time, there are no reports of residence damage.”
Fort Campbell is located near the Tennessee border, about 60 miles northwest of Nashville, and the crash occurred in the Trigg County, Kentucky, community of Cadiz.
Nick Tomaszewski, who lives in Cadiz, told WSMV-TV that he sees helicopters from Fort Campbell pass overhead often, but the two that flew by Wednesday stood out.
“I told my wife, ‘wow, those look really close tonight’ for whatever reason ... about a minute later, they were coming across and there was a large explosion in the sky almost look like a firework went off. And then the entire tree line lit up.”
Last month, two Tennessee National Guard pilots were killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed along an Alabama highway during a training exercise.
I am devastated to learn about the Army helicopter accident over Kentucky involving our brave 101st Airborne. My team is in contact with the Army and authorities on the ground. Please pray for our servicemembers and their families as we learn more.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) March 30, 2023
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 9 killed in Army Black Hawk helicopter crash in Kentucky
