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.
- U.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.
