Tragedy struck on Wednesday night during routine training exercises over Trigg County, Kentucky when two Army Blackhawk helicopters collided in mid-air.
The accident claimed the lives of nine military personnel, leaving families and colleagues in mourning.
Fort Campbell officials confirmed that the two 101st Airborne Division helicopters were engaged in routine training when the collision occurred at around 10 pm.
While the Army has yet to provide details regarding the incident, photos from the scene showed a massive ball of flames and rescuers rushing to the wreckage.
As of Thursday morning, the Army has yet to identify the nine soldiers who died in the crash, but confirmed that several personnel had been affected.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences to the families of those affected and requested the public to keep them in their prayers.
The 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles,” is the sole air assault division of the US Army, activated in 1942.
The division has a rich history of service to the nation and has participated in numerous combat operations, including the Gulf War, Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.
The Army is investigating the cause of the accident, and until the investigation is completed, the command’s focus is on providing support and care for the families of the fallen servicemembers.
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices that military personnel take on a daily basis while serving our nation.
The loss of nine lives is a blow to the military community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the servicemembers involved.
I am going with pilot error.
So sorry for the lives we lost
Figured that out all by yourself, did ya?
What have you ever figured out on your own James Herman??