Nine Army soldiers are confirmed dead following a mid-air crash between two Black Hawk helicopters. The incident happened late Wednesday night, March 29, in the skies over southern Kentucky. There were no survivors in either of the two aircraft.
Deadly mid-air crash
The mid-air crash happened over a populated area but no civilians were injured. According to military news outlet Stars and Stripes, “nine Army soldiers were killed when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed late Wednesday during a nighttime training operation.”
The tragedy happened around 10 p.m. in Cadiz, Kentucky. That’s “not far from Fort Campbell, where the helicopters were based.”
Both HH60 Black Hawks “went down during a nighttime medical training mission.” The helicopters involved in the crash were assigned to the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, which is headquartered at the base.
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
Base officials note “it is typical to have nine people aboard two choppers for such a training mission. Five were aboard one of the helicopters, and four were on the other when the crash occurred.”
While the missions may be routine, a witness on the ground noted that these two helicopters appeared much closer together than usual.
The military isn’t saying much other than “an investigation into the crash is underway.” They aren’t speculating as to a cause or any contributing factors or circumstances.
Medical evacuation choppers
According to the deputy commander, the “medical evacuation helicopters were flying in a multi-ship formation with night-vision goggles when the crash occurred.” Thankfully, “the helicopters went down in an open field not far from civilian homes, but no civilians were hurt.”
Their prayers go out to loved ones. Brigadier General John Lubas issued a statement saying “this is a truly tragic loss. Last night, we lost nine service members in an accident during a routine training mission in Kentucky.”
At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a statement noting the crash would weigh heavily on everyone involved.
JUST IN: 9 US soldiers were killed after two helicopters crashed in southwestern Kentucky on Wednesday, a US Army official says. There were no survivors. https://t.co/njfOSn2q1R
— CNN (@CNN) March 30, 2023
“My heart goes out to the families of these service members and to the members of the 101st Airborne Division who bravely and proudly serve our country each and every day. I’m saddened by this tragic loss, and I am working with Army leadership to make sure our troops and their families receive the care that they need in the wake of this accident.”
Governor Andy Beshear also paid a visit to the base and expressed his condolences after the tragic crash. “Today is a tough and tragic day for Kentucky, Fort Campbell and for the 101st. We are going to wrap our arms around these families [of the victims]. We are going to be there with them — not just for the days, but for the weeks and the months and the years to come.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee added his support, pointing out that “there are no state lines when it comes to taking care of these families.”
