Nine service members are dead after two United States Army Black Hawk helicopters collided during a training exercise in Kentucky. Crew members from the decorated 101st Airborne Division were flying two HH-60 Black Hawk assault helicopters on Wednesday when they crashed at around 10 pm.
The crew members are part of the U.S. Army’s air assault division nicknamed the ‘Screaming Eagles’. They are based at Fort Campbell, which is on the state’s border with Tennessee, 60 miles northwest of Nashville.
Brendalyn Carpenter-Player, the director of the Fort Campbell Public Affairs, said: “The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Black Hawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
“The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said:
“We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding.
“We will share more information as available.
“Please pray for all those affected.”
Sarah Burgess, a Kentucky State Police spokesperson said:
“I can’t speak on behalf of the residents other than we are doing everything we can to assess the situation and make sure that our community is as safe as it can be.”
We’ve got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected. @kystatepolice, @KentuckyEM and local officials are responding. We will share more information as available. Please pray for all those affected.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) March 30, 2023
This morning I will be traveling to Fort Campbell to support our troops and their families after last night’s tragic incident. More information will be released later this morning. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) March 30, 2023
