‘Several casualties’ after helicopter crash in Westmeath

Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a helicopter crash in Co Westmeath.

The incident took place at a location near Killucan about 3.30pm on Tuesday.

Acting chief fire officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt said there were “a number of casualties”.

Speaking on the Midlands 103 radio station, he said: “We understand that it’s an incident involving a helicopter crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath.”

He added: “All the the principal response agencies are mobilising to the scene: An Garda Síochána, 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 Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) confirmed it had been notified of an accident involving a single-engine helicopter.

"The AAIU is deploying a team of inspectors at this time," it wrote on its social media accounts.

More to follow...