Investigators seek photos and videos of fatal Westmeath helicopter ...
The lead agency in investigating a helicopter crash in Westmeath in which two men died has issued an appeal to the public for photos and video footage from the vicinity around the at the time of the accident.
The crash happened near the village of Killucan at about 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
One of the men who died was from Ireland and the other is understood to be from eastern Europe. Both were aged in their 40s.
The men were on board the helicopter when it crashed into what is understood to be a piggery building.
The men were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were later taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar where autopsies will take place in due course.
A team of inspectors from the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) arrived at Killucan on Wednesday morning to continue a site survey of the accident site, and to recover the helicopter to the AAIU’s wreckage examination facility.
An AAIU spokesperson said the unit would be "grateful for the assistance of members of the public who may have photos or video of the helicopter flying in the vicinity of Killucan on the afternoon of Tuesday June 30".
"They can either email [email protected] or contact the AAIU at 01-6041292."
On Tuesday evening, gardaí were liaising with the family of the Irish man who died.
However, officers at that point were still working to establish contact with the next of kin of the second man and were considering make a request for the assistance of Interpol.
Gardaí, Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and Ireland’s National Ambulance Service were involved in the emergency operation.
Two hearses were seen leaving the farm site on Tuesday evening.
The building that the helicopter crashed into is close to pitches used by Raharney GAA club.
Killucan is approximately 15km from the town 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.
The scene of the helicopter crash (Damien Eagers/PA)“I also want to commend the emergency services for their rapid response.”
Councillor Denis Leonard represents the area where the crash occurred.
“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,” he said.
“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.
