Two US Army Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a training incident in Kentucky on Wednesday night, with fatalities feared. The incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET) during a routine training exercise in Trigg County, to the west of the Army base Fort Campbell.
The 101st Airborne Division confirmed the tragic incident on Twitter, stating, “We can confirm two aircraft from the 101st were involved in an accident last night resulting in several casualties. Right now our focus is on the Soldiers and their families who were involved.”
Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. Please pray for all those affected.” The state police and local officials are currently responding to the crash site.
The incident occurred in a partially wooded field area, and a perimeter has been set up around the debris field. At this time, the status of the personnel aboard the helicopters cannot be confirmed.
The 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles,” was activated on August 16, 1942, and is based near Kentucky’s border with Tennessee.
The division has a storied history, having been involved in numerous military operations, including the Normandy invasion during World War II and the Gulf War.
