Two men have been killed after a helicopter crashed into a farm building in the Republic of Ireland.
The crash happened at around 3.30pm in Killucan, County Westmeath.
Gardaí have now confirmed that two men, aged in their 40s, were killed in the helicopter crash, and both were on board the helicopter.
One of the men was from Ireland and the other is understood to be from eastern Europe.
Two hearses were seen leaving the scene of the crash earlier this afternoon. The two men were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies have been taken toRegional Hospital Mullingar.
The fire service and ambulance service have now left the scene, and the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has taken over the investigation into the crash.
It’s thought that the helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, which was tracked flying in a circle by flightradar.
The AAIU for Ireland said: ‘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 helicopter crashed into a building on what is understood to be a piggery, which will be cordoned off overnight while the crash investigation is ongoing.
Gardaí are in contact with the family of the Irish man who died, but they are still trying to contact the next of kin of the European man and may request help from Interpol to do so.
Speaking on the Midlands 103 radio station, acting chief fire officer at Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service, Pat Hunt, said: ‘We understand that it’s an incident involving a helicopter crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath.
‘All the the principal response agencies are mobilising to the scene: An Garda Siochana, the ambulance service and ourselves.
‘What we can understand is that there are a number of casualties involved, but again, we cannot at this stage confirm the number.’
Mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District, Ken Glynn, described the incident as ‘shocking and tragic’.
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.’
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