A military helicopter crashed on snow-covered farmland in western New York State on the evening of the 20th, exploding into flames and killing all three of the nation’s soldiers on board. Authorities have launched an investigation.
The incident occurred at 6:30 p.m. local Time when the crashed UH-60 Blackhawk medical evacuation helicopter took off from the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport and was dispatched to another support center. Unfortunately, it crashed in the rural southern town of Mendon, Rochester, N.Y.
News photos from the local media show the wreckage of the plane burning in the snow with considerable fire.
Local Sheriff Todd Baxter said at a press conference that witnesses reported hearing a loud popping sound from the engine and the helicopter flying very low.
Video from Twitter showed emergency crews rushing to the scene and blocking the road.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said flags at state buildings will be lowered to half mast tomorrow (21).
According to Business Insider, the U.S. military has used UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for more than 40 years in a variety of missions, from air strikes to medical evacuations. When on a mission, there is usually a co-pilot and a chief mechanic on board.
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