Nine soldiers were killed during a collision between two United States Army Black Hawk helicopters during a training mission over Kentucky on Wednesday night.
The Washington Post reports that a spokesperson told the outlet about the deaths following earlier reports that fatalities were expected after the crash in Trigg County, in the southwest of the state.
Nondice Thurman, a spokesperson for Fort Campbell army base told the Post in an email that further updates would be given later on Thursday in a news briefing.
It is understood that everyone on board the two aircraft perished in the incident.
ABC News confirmed the deaths and reported that Kentucky State Police are currently working with Fort Campbell officials, Kentucky Emergency Management, and local officials at the scene.
The debris field is sizeable and troopers and first responders have secured a large area and set up a roadblock in the area as the investigation continues.
The helicopters involved were from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) which confirmed the crash on Twitter and said initially that it resulted in “several casualties”.
Earlier, army base officials had said in a statement: “The status of the crew members are unknown at this time. The command is currently focused on caring for the servicemembers and their families.”
“Right now our focus is on the soldiers and their families who were involved,” it added.
The incident is under investigation, the statement from Fort Campbell said.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear tweeted: “We have got some tough news out of Fort Campbell, with early reports of a helicopter crash and fatalities are expected.”
“Please pray for all those affected,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents Kentucky, said: “I am devastated to learn about the Army helicopter accident over Kentucky involving our brave 101st Airborne. My team is in contact with the Army and authorities on the ground. Please pray for our servicemembers and their families as we learn more.”
Crewmembers were flying two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred at around 10pm on Wednesday.
