Multiple people feared dead after two Black Hawks collide mid-air during training in Kentucky
TRIGG COUNTY, KENTUCKY: In a tragic incident that happened in Kentucky, two US Army Black Hawk helicopters collided, which led to the death of nine people during a routine training exercise as per unconfirmed reports. The helicopter collision occurred at the Kentucky-Tennessee border 60 miles northwest of Nashville.
The two helicopters are the 101st Airborne Regiment and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Governor Andy Beshear tweeted, "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."
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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
What happened at the Kentucky-Tennessee border?
In a Facebook post by US Army Fort Campbell, "At approximately 10 p.m yesterday two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky. The crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred. The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families. More information will be released as it becomes available. The incident is under investigation."
A local man told, "Two helicopters came over pretty low, and all of a sudden - as soon as they got over the house - something popped, a loud bang. And everything shut down all of a sudden.So we jumped in the truck and got over here, and that's what we found - two helicopters." James Hughes, the jailer for Trigg County, claimed that he lives about a half mile away and heard what he believed to be a collision.
What are 101st Airborne Regiment and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment?
According to US Army, "The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles,” the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942. On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj Gen William C Lee promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a “rendezvous with destiny.” As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy." Further, it added, "The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as “tomorrow’s division in today’s Army.” Meanwhile, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is described as the primary rotary-wing support to the Department of Defense Special Operations Forces.
Previous US Army Black Hawk helicopter collisions
A similar incident has taken place on February 15, 2023, where two died after a Black Hawk helicopter, which belonged to the Tennessee National Guard and was on a routine training mission, crashed onto an Alabama highway on Wednesday afternoon, February 15. The crash occurred at about 3 pm local time on Highway 53 near the intersection of Burrell Road in Madison County, near the Alabama-Tennessee border, as previously reported by MEAWW.
'These soldiers are our guardians in the skies'
The Internet quickly reacted to the incident. A user said on Facebook, " Praying that all are safe and only suffer minor injuries. These soldiers are our guardians in the skies. They practice and patrol and risk all for Americans and willingly go anywhere they are needed. Heroes in helicopters." Another added, "Praying for our service members and their families. Also Praying for their units and battle buddies." "Praying for everyone especially the families hoping is only minor injuries," claimed another. "Sending up lots of prayers!!! My heart hurts for the family and friends lives that are forever changed," added another. "Praying for the family and the whole situation," said a user.