SEVERAL casualties are feared following after a helicopter crashed into a building in a remote town.
The “shocking and tragic” incident took place near Killucan, Westmeath, in Ireland at around 3.30pm.
Acting chief fire officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt said there was “a number of casualties”.
He stressed that every available resource is being diverted to the scene.
Speaking on the Midlands 103 radio station, he said: “Mullingar Fire Brigade and all the units in the station have been mobilised to the scene.
“We understand that it’s an incident involving an aircraft, a helicopter, crashing into a building in the Joristown upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath.
“At the moment it’s a breaking news story, we have all the principal response agencies mobilising to the scene, that would be An Garda Siochana, the ambulance services and ourselves.
“What we can understand is that there are a number of casualties involved but again we can’t at this stage confirm the number.”
Gardai said in a short statement: “Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident involving a helicopter at a location near Killucan, Co Westmeath which occurred at approximately 3.30pm.
“As this is a live and ongoing operation, no further information is available at this time.”
Mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District Ken Glynn said it was a “shocking and tragic” incident.
He said his thoughts and prayers were with the families of those involved and the emergency services who first responded to the scene.
He told RTE: “I’m surprised and shocked, it’s not something you would expect to hear in your own locality.
“It is a difficult scene for emergency services to be attending.”
The Air Accident Investigation Unit said it had been notified and was sending out a team of inspectors to the scene.
It added in a statement: “The AAIU has been notified of an accident involving a single-engine helicopter near Killucan Co. Westmeath this afternoon.
“The AAIU is deploying a team of inspectors at this time.
“Further updates will be provided when available.”
Sinn Fein TD for Longford-Westmeath Sorca Clarke said: “I’m devastated for the people involved, it’s absolutely horrendous.
“It’s terrible news to be hearing. I’m so sorry to hear what’s after happening.”
