January 1, Black Hawk Military Helicopter Crashes Onto Alabama Highway

Two Tennessee National Guard members were killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed onto an Alabama highway on Wednesday.

The crash occurred during a training flight near Highway 53 in Huntsville, Alabama, the Guard said in a statement.

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

No other service members or civilians were injured, the Guard said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the cause of the crash was not known.

“It is premature to discuss possible causes of the crash,” said National Guard spokesperson Robert Carver. “Like all military aircraft mishaps, the incident will be investigated. The National Guard will support law enforcement and other first responders handling the crash site.”

Dozens of people in the area witnessed the crash, flooding social media with photos and videos of what they’d seen or heard.

As of Thursday afternoon, the identities of the Tennessee National Guardsmen had not been released.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said he and his wife are “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two Tennessee National Guard members. Please join us in lifting their families up in prayer & support during this time of unspeakable grief.”

Source: NPR