Fatalities feared after helicopter crashes into farm building
Irish police said the incident happened near Killucan in Co Westmeath at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday.
A number of people are feared dead after a helicopter crashed into a farm building in Co Westmeath in Ireland.
The incident happened near the village of Killucan at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday.
Two hearses were seen leaving the farm site on Tuesday evening.
The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of the single-engine helicopter crash.
Taoiseach Simon Harris expressed his concern.
“Thinking of all those involved in the Westmeath helicopter crash,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
He added: “My thoughts & gratitude are also with all the emergency services working to help at this time.”
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.
