Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Photo: Jon Cherry/Bloomberg via Getty Images
At least nine soldiers were killed after two Army helicopters flying out of Fort Campbell crashed on Wednesday night in Trigg County, Kentucky, officials said Thursday.
Details: Those killed were crewmembers of two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters who were flying for a routine training exercise before the crash around 10pm ET Wednesday.
Photo: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear/TwitterU.S. Army Fort Campbell said in a statement earlier Thursday the incident was being investigated and further information would be released when available.A military official said Thursday the helicopters were medical evac variants of the Blackhawk.What they’re saying: “Today is a tough and tragic day for Kentucky, for Fort Campbell and the 101st,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said Thursday.
Context: Fort Campbell, located on the Kentucky–Tennessee border, is home to the 101st Airborne Division, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the 5th Special Forces Group and several other units.
The 101st Airborne Division is the only air assault division of the U.S. Army and has engaged in combat and contingency missions around the world, according to a statement on the Army’s website.Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.
