Kentucky helicopter crash: Casualties reported after incident near Fort Campbell

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A US Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter seen in mid flightImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
The helicopters involved in the crash were the HH60 Blackhawk model

A number of people are believed to have been killed after two US Army helicopters crashed in Kentucky.

The incident involved aircraft from the 101st Airborne Division, which said it had "resulted in several casualties".

The state's Governor, Andy Beshear, said it was "tough news" and that "fatalities are expected".

Local news reports say the incident happened at about 21:35 local time (01:35 GMT), and as many as nine people may have been killed.

It happened in the Trigg County area, close to the large Fort Campbell military base.

In a statement to the BBC, a US Army spokesperson said two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters had crashed during "a routine training mission".

"The status of the crew members are unknown at this time," they said.

"The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families."

Image source, WKDZ Radio, Cadiz, KY
Image caption,
Police and emergency services attended the scene on Thursday morning

Asked by the BBC if the two helicopters had crashed into each other, the spokesperson said it "was unable to confirm specifics at this time".

They added the incident was under investigation and more information would be released as it becomes available.

According to the US Army's website, the 101st Airborne Division is its only air assault division and has been sent to conflict zones internationally.

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