Nine Fort Campbell soldiers were killed after two helicopters crashed in Trigg County during a training exercise, a U.S. Army official confirmed Thursday morning.
The two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided at approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, according to a news release from Fort Campbell spokeswoman Nondice L. Thurman. There were no survivors.
Brig. Gen. John Lubas, deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division, said a team specializing in aircraft safety is en route from Fort Rucker, Alabama, to investigate. There was no signal for help prior to the crash, which occurred in a large field across from a residential area, he confirmed during a press conference Thursday morning at Fort Campbell. Weather in the area on Wednesday evening was calm, with winds of approximately 5 mph and clear skies.
“We know alot about loss in Kentucky, especially these last three years,” Gov. Andy Beshear said during the press conference Thursday. “We’re going to do what we always do. We’re going to wrap our arms around these families. We’re going to be there with them — not just for days, but for the weeks and the months and the years to come. We’re going to let them know they are loved, they are special. If they’ll allow us to carry some of their grief, we’ll do that for as long as we can.”
Names of the deceased have not been made public, pending next of kin notifications.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
