Two Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a training exercise in Kentucky and killed all nine service member on board.
The cause of the crash is unknown. It occurred during the night in Trigg County, Kentucky, which is close to the U.S. Army military base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
At least nine members of the US 101st Airborne Division were killed in a mid-air collision between two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters during an exercise at Fort Campbell Air Force Base in Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/bU5R4AHcS9
— Spriter (@Spriter99880) March 30, 2023
Two HH60 Black Hawks of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were conducting a training exercise at approximately 10 p.m.
Brendalyn Carpenter-Player, who serves as director of the Fort Campbell Public Affairs, released a statement to Fox News.
BREAKING: Two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed in Kentucky during training. Details:
– Crash occurred in Trigg County, west of Fort Campbell at 10 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET)
– Several casualties reported by 101st Airborne Division
– State police, military… pic.twitter.com/KOi8zLjTFR— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) March 30, 2023
“The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Black Hawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred,” Carpenter-Player said. “The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed the tragic news, saying, “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.”
Several feared dead after two US army helicopters crash during training in Kentucky https://t.co/BjWx9tKeeW pic.twitter.com/gw5IYOyQsB
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 30, 2023
“We will share more information as available,” he wrote. “Please pray for all those affected.”
“More information will be released as it becomes available,” the public affairs director added.
Two US Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed Wednesday night during a routine training mission at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Several feared deceased. Pray for our soldiers. 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/RlG3sfPwA0
— SweetPeaBelle (@SweetPeaBell326) March 30, 2023
Fox News also noted:
Emergency personnel from multiple counties, including the East Golden Pond Fire Department, responded to the crash site between Bobby Light Road and Lancaster Road, local radio station WKDZ reported.
Fort Campbell officials, Kentucky state police and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management are on the scene. The crash is under investigation.
An individual about a half mile away from the crash told the local station he heard “two booms,” WKDZ Radio reported.