Two U.S. Army helicopters crashed during training over Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of nine U.S. military personnel.
On the 30th (local time), the U.S. Army held a press conference and announced that around 10 p.m. the previous day, two HH60 Black Hawk transport helicopters from the 101st Airborne Division collided during routine training near Fort Campbell base in Trigg County, Kentucky.
The Army is currently investigating the cause of the helicopter accident. To assist with this, an aviation safety expert team will arrive today at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The 101st Airborne Division added that the helicopters are equipped with devices similar to black boxes, which they hope will provide information on what happened. At the time of the accident, it is understood that five and four personnel were on board the two helicopters, respectively. Typically, during training missions, each helicopter carries a pilot, co-pilot, crew members, and at least one medical personnel.
Local media reported that the helicopters caught fire during the accident, prompting the fire department to respond, but since the crash occurred in a mountainous area, there was no civilian damage. A witness living nearby said, "After all the helicopter lights went out, I saw a huge ball of fire-like light." There were also reports of hearing two loud explosions.
The 101st Airborne Division has begun contacting the families of the soldiers to inform them of the deaths. However, since many of the families reside in other states or overseas, the identities of the deceased soldiers will not be disclosed until all notifications are complete.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed condolences, stating, "Today is a difficult and tragic day for Kentucky, Fort Campbell, and the 101st Airborne Division."
Last month, a Black Hawk helicopter of the Tennessee National Guard crashed during a training flight in Huntsville, Alabama, killing two people. In 2018, an AH-64E Apache helicopter crashed at the Fort Campbell training ground, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. They were also conducting routine training at the time.
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