US: Nine soldiers killed after two Army helicopters crash in Kentucky
US Army helicopters crash: Two US Army helicopters with the 101st Airborne Division crashed in southwestern Kentucky on Wednesday, leaving nine soldiers dead, a US Army official said.
There were no survivors, sources added.
Officials at nearby Fort Campbell earlier stated that the two HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters crashed around 10 p.m. Wednesday in Trigg County near the Tennessee border.
A press briefing is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET at Fort Campbell.
Crewmembers were flying "during a routine training mission when the incident occurred," according to a Facebook statement from the base.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced in a tweet Thursday morning that he will fly to Fort Campbell to "support our troops and their families."
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Kentucky State Police responded to the call around 10:15 p.m. and rushed to a field and woods, according to State Police Post 1 spokesperson Trooper Sarah Burgess, who added that "numerous agencies" were assisting.
She stated that no residential areas are affected.
According to the statement, Fort Campbell personnel are "focused on caring for servicemembers and their families."
“I am devastated to learn about the Army helicopter accident over Kentucky involving our brave 101st Airborne,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said. “My team is in contact with the Army and authorities on the ground. Please pray for our service members and their families as we learn more.”
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- With inputs from agencies
