News

Actions

Pentagon officials confirm Tennessee National Guard helicopter crashed, 2 reported dead

Screen Shot 2023-02-15 at 6.32.29 PM.png
Posted
and last updated

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WTVF) — A Tennessee National Guard black hawk crashed in Alabama on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two dead, CBS News confirmed with the Pentagon.

U.S. military officials said two people on board were killed, according to the Associated Press. An Army official said the helicopter, which was on a training mission, crashed around 3:30 p.m. local time and caught fire. The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an incident that was under investigation.

The incident happened near Highway 53 and Burwell Road in Huntsville, Alabama. The helicopter burned on impact, and the call came in about the crash at 3:01 p.m., according to Don Webster with Huntsville Emergency Medical Services.

A video of the crash scene was submitted by a driver going by. You can watch below.

Driver videos crash debris of Tennessee National Guard helicopter

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Tennessee National Guardsmen, and our prayers are with their families during this heartbreaking tragedy," said Brig. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee's Adjutant General. "We ask Tennesseans to join us in supporting their families during this time of unthinkable grief."

No other service members or civilians were harmed in this incident. The Tennessee National Guard will support law enforcement and other first responders handling the crash site and provide more information as details become available.

Video of the crash and crash scene from WHNT.

Tennessee National Guard helicopter crashes in Alabama

There are no details as of now on how the crash happened or how many guardsmen were in the helicopter. This is an active investigation involving the Federal Aviation Agency and Alabama law enforcement.