WASHINGTON, March 30 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Several casualties have been reported after two US Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a training incident in Kentucky on Wednesday night, officials said.
“We can confirm two aircraft from the 101st were involved in an accident last night resulting in several casualties,” the 101st Airborne Division, the only air assault division of the US Army, said in a tweet early Thursday morning.
“The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families.”
The helicopters, from the 101st Airborne Division, crashed at around 10 pm Wednesday in Kentucky’s Trigg county, northwest of Fort Campbell.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said fatalities were expected.
“We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected,” he said on Twitter.
He said Kentucky police and emergency management were responding.
“Please pray for all those affected,” Beshear tweeted.
Fort Campbell said the incident was under investigation.
“More information will be released as it becomes available,” it said.
Speaking with journalists after the crash, state police said the incident unfolded in a partially wooded field area. They said a perimeter had been set up around the debris field.
Nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles,” the 101st Airborne Division was activated on Aug 16, 1942 and is based near Kentucky’s border with Tennessee. — NNN-AGENCIES
