An unknown number of people have been killed after two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed in Trigg County.
The accident occurred Wednesday night at approximately 9:35 as the two 101st Airborne Division HH60 Blackhawks, based at Ft. Campbell, were conducting routine training exercises. The accident occurred in a field near the intersection of Maple Grove Road and Lancaster Road, about eight miles south of Cadiz.
The U.S. Army released the following initial statement on the crash:
At approximately 10 p.m yesterday two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky.
The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred. The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.
Gov. Andy Beshear then issued this statement via social media:
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.
Some residents near the crash site were evacuated as officials established a perimeter around the debris field.
The Safety Investigation Team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center in Alabama is charged with investigating military aircraft accidents. Kentucky State Police, along with multiple other agencies, is assisting at the scene.
The basic crew of a Blackhawk helicopter is comprised of three soldiers. The aircraft can hold up to 20 soldiers, based on the amount of gear the soldiers are wearing, according to Military.com.
Army helicopter training flights are a common site in southwestern Kentucky, particularly Trigg County, as Cadiz is only 32 miles from Ft. Campbell.
The Army has scheduled a press conference for Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
(Photo: Officials blocking a roadway near the site of the helicopter accident, courtesy of WSMV.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
