March 30: Several people are believed to be dead after two US Army helicopters crashed in Kentucky.
State Governor Andy Beshear said it was “tough news” with “first reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities expected.”
Local news reports say the incident occurred at around 9:35 p.m. local time (01:35 GMT) and as many as nine people may have been killed.
The local army confirmed that its helicopters were involved in the accident.
It happened in the Trigg County area, near the large Fort Campbell military base.
In a statement to the BBC, a Fort Campbell spokesman said two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters had crashed during “a routine training mission”.
“The status of the crew members is unknown at this time,” they said.
“The command is currently focused on caring for service members and their families.”
They added that the incident was under investigation and more information would be released as it becomes available.
The Fort Campbell military base is located a short drive from Trigg County.
The helicopters involved are from the 101st Airborne Division, which is the US Army’s only air assault division and has been deployed to conflict zones internationally.
(BBC)
