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National Guard helicopter crashes in Monroe County killing 3, Internet says 'training missions are not easy'

The crash caused a large grass fire and emergency services are 'scrambling' to reach the scene

Three people have died after a US military helicopter crashed into a field in Mendon, Monroe County, New York, according to reports. The incident took place shortly after 7 pm ET in a field on Bloomfield Road by the Cheese Factory Road in the city of Rochester. 

The New York Army National Guard released a statement on Wednesday, January 20, saying, "A New York Army National Guard UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport crashed earlier tonight in the Town of Mendon, New York while on a routine training mission."

"The aircraft was assigned to C Company of the 1st Battalion, 171st General Support Aviation Battalion. There were three Soldiers on board killed in the crash.The incident is under investigation," it read further. Eyewitnesses have claimed that military vehicles have arrived at the scene along with many fire departments, state police and Monroe County Sheriff's Office  (MCSO) officers. News 8 reporter Adam Chodak shared a picture of the crash and wrote on Twitter, "My source tells me 3 people are dead."

MCSO told in a statement that the chopper was still ablaze after the crash and had "three souls on board". It is also being said that the crash caused a large grass fire and emergency services are "scrambling" to reach the scene. The roads have been blocked and a few videos shared by the witnesses show large flames with thick flames blowing into the air. 

The news regarding the crash has left many concerned about its fatalities. People have taken to Twitter to check on the crew members while looking for further updates. One tweeted, "Anybody else hear about the military chopper that crashed outside the airport in Monroe County? It was a National Guard helicopter.  I hope it wasn’t filled with troops." Another tweeted, "Happened just down the road from us, I hear military chopper. Prayers prayers prayers" And another said, "It was a military chopper who was not on their way to save the children!" One user sent in their condolences saying: "So very sorry. Those training missions are not easy."

In another tweet shared by new reporter Ashley Rowe, it has been said that the New Yor Army National Guard members were on a "routine training exercise" when the accident took place. No names have been revealed so far. She tweeted, "Sad news to report from Mendon, NY (approx 15 miles from Rochester). Three soldiers from the New York Army National Guard were killed in a helicopter crash while on a routine training exercise. No names have been officially released."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also released a statement and directed that flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff on January 21 as a sign of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the accident. He tweeted saying: "Tonight we are devastated by the crash of a New York Army National Guard helicopter in the town of Mendon that killed three of New York's bravest during a training mission. I'm directing that flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff tomorrow."