Two dead after helicopter crash in Co Westmeath
Two men aged in their 40s were killed in a helicopter crash in Co Westmeath, Gardai have said.
The incident happened near the village of Killucan at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday.
An Garda Síochána said two people on board the aircraft were pronounced deceased at the scene.
A statement continued: "An Garda Síochána are liaising with the family of one male, Irish national (40s).
"An Garda Síochána continue to establish contact with the next of kin of the second male (40s) who is understood to be from Eastern Europe, and may request the assistance of Interpol.
"Both bodies have been removed from the scene to Regional Hospital Mullingar where post mortems will take place in due course. The local Coroner has been notified.
"Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service have now left the scene.
"The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is the authority for investigating air accidents and serious incidents in Ireland and are the lead agency investigating this aircraft incident.
"The scene will remain persevered overnight to allow for this investigation to take place.
"An Garda Síochána will assist the AAIU by providing any technical and/or forensic services which may be required in the course of their investigation."
Two hearses were seen leaving the farm site on Tuesday evening.
Pat Hunt, acting chief fire officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service, said there were “a number of casualties”.
“We understand that it’s an incident involving a helicopter crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath,” he told Midlands 103 radio station.
The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of the single-engine helicopter crash.
The piggery building that the helicopter crashed into is close to pitches used by Raharney GAA club.Killucan is approximately 15 kilometres from Mullingar.
Ken Glynn, Mayor of the Mullingar-Kinnegad municipal district, expressed his shock.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those involved and their families,” he said.
“I also want to commend the emergency services for their rapid response.”
Councillor Denis Leonard represents the area where the crash occurred.“Unfortunately it seems there are casualties on board,” he told the PA news agency.
“Locally, people are shocked and stunned, but also their hearts just go out to the families of all those involved at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
“I want to thank the emergency services in Westmeath because they were very quickly on the scene and a huge operation took place straight away.
“They responded extremely quickly and I want to thank them for their service today.”
Mr Leonard noted the incident had come after a “horrific” weekend of tragedy on the roads in Ireland, particularly in the Midlands, with three men killed in two separate collisions in Co Meath.
“You don’t expect to hear of a helicopter crash,” he added. Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX
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