Multiple casualties reported after helicopter crash in Westmeath
Two people are believed to have died in a helicopter crash in Co Westmeath this afternoon.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident, which occurred near Killucan at around 3.30pm.
Garda HQ has not yet officially confirmed the number of deaths, but the Irish Examiner understands that there were two fatalities.
A witness saw the helicopter falling quickly from the sky, ‘bouncing’ when it hit the ground and then colliding with the farm building.
The two men who are believed to have died were in the helicopter when it crashed, it is understood.
No one on the ground was injured.
The helicopter was privately owned and had been travelling from the Dublin direction. The deceased are not believed to be from the local area.
The farm building was empty at the time.
The helicopter has circled the area before it crashed, according to witness accounts.
The helicopter did not catch fire when it crashed.
Gardai and emergency services at the scene of a helicopter crash in the Joristown townland near Killucan Co Westmeath. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins DublinIt is understood that the aircraft struck a building on a farmland near to a local GAA club.
The helicopter left Weston airport shortly after 3pm and went off radar at Joristown at 3.49pm, according to the flight radar.
It is believed to be a privately-owned aircraft.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is leading the investigation and will work together with An Garda Síochána throughout all stages.
Local gardaí have sealed off the scene pending the arrival of AAIU investigators.
They will conduct a joint examination at the site and have a conversation on the next steps.
The helicopter was travelling with a number of people on board when it crashed into a building in the Joristown townland near Killucan Co Westmeath at 3:30 this afternoon. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins DublinIt is unclear if the Garda Technical Bureau will be called from Dublin or if local Garda Scenes of Crime Team will assist in a forensic examination of the crash site or if the AAIU will conduct it by itself.
The AAIU, attached to the Department of Transport, is responsible for the investigation of aircraft accidents and serious incidents that occur within Ireland.
Gardai will deal with the families of the deceased and conduct an investigation file for the coroner.
Sources said gardaí and the AAIU will work “hand-in-hand” throughout the investigation.
The acting chief fire officer at Westmeath Fire and Rescue Services Pat Hunt told Midlands 103 that "all available resources" were being sent to the scene in the Joristown area.
Mr Hunt said there was "a number of casualties."
"We understand it’s an incident involving an aircraft, a helicopter, crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland,” he told the station.
"What we understand is that there are a number of casualties involved, but we can’t at this stage confirm the number."
In a post on social media, the AAIU said it has been notified of the incident involving a "single-engine helicopter".
It wrote: "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.”
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.
— AAIU IRELAND (@aaiu_ireland) July 30, 2024More to follow.
