OAN Roy Francis
UPDATED 7:36 AM – Thursday, March 30, 2023
Authorities confirmed that two HH60 Black Hawks of the 101st Airborne Division crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky, killing all nine service members aboard on Wednesday night.
According to Brendalyn Carpenter-Player, the director of the Fort Campbell Public Affairs, the two helicopters were conducting a training exercise around 10:00 p.m. to the west of the Army Base Fort Campbell when they crashed.
“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.”
Governor Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) confirmed the crash on Twitter and asked for prayers, saying that more information will be shared as it is available.
“We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected” he said. “We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected.”
The governor also said that he will be travelling to Fort Campbell to “support our troops and their families after last night’s tragic incident.”
Emergency personnel from multiple nearby counties had responded to the crash site according to WKDZ, a local radio station. Officials from Fort Campbell, Kentucky State Police, and the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management had also responded to the crash.
No residential areas were affected by the crash.
During a press conference, Army officials announced that an investigation is underway, and that they will release more information when they finish their next of kin notification, although they currently have no timeline.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts