‘Multiple people feared dead’ as helicopter crashes into a building in Ireland

Multiple people are feared dead after a helicopter crashed into a farm building in Killucan, County Westmeath Ireland, The Irish Times has reported. 

Emergency services are responding to the helicopter crash. 

Acting Chief Fire Officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt told Midlands 103 Fm radio station that there have been several casualties in the incident. 

He said all available resources are being sent to the scene of the incident.

‘We understand that it’s an incident involving a helicopter crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath,’ he said.

A photo shared on the Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE’s website showed the helicopter embedded in what appears to be the roof of a farm building. 

Emergency services in Ireland are responding to a helicopter crash in Killucan, County Westmeath which has reportedly left several people injured

He added: ‘All 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.’

The single-engine, four-seater aircraft is believed to have struck a piggery between the villages of Raharney and Killucan at around 3.30pm, but local reports have stated that due to the nature of the crash, it has been been difficult for emergency services to reach casualties. 

The Air Accident Investigation Unit said it has been notified on the incident. 

‘The AAIU is deploying a team of inspectors at this time. Further updates will be provided when available,’ it added. 

Mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District Ken Glynn told RTE that the incident was ‘shocking and tragic’.

‘I’m surprised and shocked, it’s not something you would expect to hear in your own locality.’

He added that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved in the incident and the first responders.

‘It is a difficult scene for emergency services to be attending,’ he said.  

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.