It's understood at least one person was killed when a lght helicopter crashed in a remote area close to Kilcullen in Co Kildare on Sunday.
Conditions were cold and foggy at the time of the crash which occurred at around 3pm on Sunday, December 11. Emergency services immediately rushed to the scene and remain there today.
Gardaí and investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport are combing fields around the area, around 6km east of Kilcullen to established the cause of the fatal crash.
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A spokesperson for the AAIU earlier told the Irish Mirror: "The AAIU has been notified of an occurrence involving a light helicopter approximately 6km south east of Kilcullen, Co Kildare. Three Inspectors of Air accidents are deploying to the site to commence an investigation."
Those investigators are now on site.
Gardaí are also on the scene and in a further statement, a Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí continue to assist emergency services and hold the scene of a helicopter crash in Kilcullen, Co Kildare, which occurred yesterday evening, Sunday, December 11.
"Gardaí will provide assistance to the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) who are the lead agency in this investigation.
"A technical examination of the scene is currently underway.
"It is Gardaí’s understanding that there has been one confirmed fatality in this crash. A file will be prepared for the Coroner upon completion of an examination."
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