Your News Edge is learning more about a Wednesday night helicopter crash that occurred in Trigg County and claimed the lives of nine soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.
Fort Campbell public affairs confirmed that two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a routine training mission. The press release did not provide the status of the crewmembers but said the command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.
Trigg County emergency personnel said the crash occurred between Bobby Light Road and Lancaster Road around 9:35 PM.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is expected to be a Fort Campbell around 9:00 AM to provide the latest update. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says “I am devastated to learn about the Army helicopter accident over Kentucky involving our brave 101st Airborne.” He adds his team is in contact with the Army to assist in any way possible.
Trigg County Emergency Management Director David Bryant tells Your News Edge there were as many as 150 emergency officials on the scene following that crash.
Bryant says the Trigg County Corner’s Office was called to the scene and wrapped up their investigation early Thursday morning.
Trigg County Jailer James Hughes lives about a half mile from the crash site and heard what he believed to be the collision.
Hughes and Perry remained on the scene until Fort Campbell officials arrived around midnight.
Your News Edge reporter Tom Rogers has been providing reports near the scene Thursday morning and says more equipment is being sent to the crash site.
Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree has confirmed that Maple Grove Road between Kentucky 272 and Bobby Light Road will remain closed until further notice.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported to be clear with light to no wind.
It is the general protocol for a Safety Investigation Team from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, headquartered at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to investigate crashes involving military aircraft.
