Two men in their 40s die after helicopter crashes into building in Ireland
- Both were on board the helicopter when it crashed into a farm building
Two men in their 40s have died in a helicopter crash in the Irish village of Killucan, County Westmeath, authorities confirmed. The plane flew into a farmhouse this afternoon.
According to the Garda, one of the deceased men was from Ireland and the other is believed to be from Eastern Europe.
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 the Regional Hospital Mullingar where a post mortem will be carried out.
The local coroner has been notified of the deaths.
Gardai are in contact with the family of the deceased Irish man.
Emergency services in Ireland respond to a helicopter crash in Killucan, County Westmeath, where several people have reportedly been injured
The scene of a helicopter crash into a building in Joristown Upper Townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath
A hearse leaves the scene of the accident in Joristown Upper Townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath, after a helicopter crashed into a building
Officers are still trying to contact the second man’s relatives and may call on Interpol for assistance.
Westmeath Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance Service have now left the scene of the accident.
According to the Gardai, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) was the lead agency in the investigation into the fatal incident.
The scene of the accident will remain closed off throughout the night to allow for an investigation into the accident.
Emergency services responded to the incident at a pig farm between the villages of Raharney and Killucan at around 3.30pm.
Emergency services in Ireland respond to a helicopter crash in Killucan, County Westmeath, where several people have reportedly been injured
Westmeath Fire Service Acting Chief Fire Officer Pat Hunt told radio station Midlands 103 Fm that there had been a number of casualties in the incident.
“We understand this is an incident where a helicopter has crashed into a building in the Joristown Upper area of Killucan, Co Westmeath,” he said.
He added: ‘All the main emergency services are on the scene: An Garda Siochana, the ambulance service and ourselves.
‘What we do know is that there have been casualties, but we cannot confirm the number at this time.’
A photo shared on the website of Irish national broadcaster RTE shows the helicopter sitting on what appears to be the roof of a farm building.
Mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District Ken Glynn told RTE the incident was ‘shocking and tragic’.
“I’m surprised and shocked. It’s not something you would expect in your own environment.”
He added that his thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved in the incident and to the emergency services workers.
“It’s a difficult situation for emergency services to get to the scene,” he said.
This is a breaking news story. More to come.
