Two men in their 40s are killed after a helicopter crashes into a building in Ireland
- Both were on board the helicopter when it crashed into a farm building
Two men in their 40s have been killed in a helicopter crash in the Irish village of Killucan, County Westmeath, Gardai have confirmed, after the aircraft crashed into a farm building this afternoon.
One of the men who died was from Ireland and the other is understood to be from eastern Europe, the Garda said.
Both were on board the helicopter when it crashed into the farm building. They were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies have now been taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar where post-mortem examinations will be arranged.
The local coroner has been notified of the deaths.
Gardai are liaising with the family of the Irish man who died.
Emergency services in Ireland are responding to a helicopter crash in Killucan, County Westmeath which has reportedly left several people injured
The scene of a helicopter crash into a building in Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath
A hearse leaves the scene in Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath, after a helicopter crashed into a building
Officers are still working to establish contact with the next of kin of the second man and may request the assistance of Interpol.
Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service have now left the scene of the crash.
Gardai said the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) was the lead agency in investigating the fatal incident.
The scene will remain cordoned off overnight to facilitate the crash investigation.
Emergency services responded to the incident at a piggery between the villages of Raharney and Killucan at around 3.30pm.
Emergency services in Ireland are responding to a helicopter crash in Killucan, County Westmeath which has reportedly left several people injured
Acting Chief Fire Officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt told Midlands 103 Fm radio station that there had been several casualties in the incident.
‘We understand that it’s an incident involving a helicopter crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath,’ he said.
He added: ‘All the principal response agencies are mobilising to the scene: An Garda Siochana, the ambulance service and ourselves.
‘What we can understand is that there are a number of casualties involved, but again, we cannot at this stage confirm the number.’
A photo shared on the Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE’s website showed the helicopter embedded in what appears to be the roof of a farm building.
Mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District Ken Glynn told RTE that the incident was ‘shocking and tragic’.
‘I’m surprised and shocked, it’s not something you would expect to hear in your own locality.’
He added that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved in the incident and the first responders.
‘It is a difficult scene for emergency services to be attending,’ he said.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.