Two men in their 40s have died following a helicopter crash at Joristown, Killucan.
The incident took place at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon in Joristown when a helicopter struck a piggery.
One of the men was an Irish national, while the second is from eastern Europe.
No other injuries have been reported.
Both bodies were removed from the scene on Tuesday evening and taken to Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, where post-mortem examinations will take place.
It’s understood Gardaí are in contact with their colleagues at Interpol in establishing contact with the next of kin of the man from eastern Europe.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit said it has been notified of the incident, which they said involved a “single-engine helicopter”.
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.
— AAIU IRELAND (@aaiu_ireland) July 30, 2024
According to flight tracking website Flight Aware, the aircraft was a five-seat, single engine helicopter owned by TVPX Aircraft Solutions based in Utah in the United States.
Earlier on Tuesday, the aircraft took eight short flights around Backweston Park, where Weston Airport is situated, in Co Kildare.
Taoiseach expresses concern
Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his concern following Tuesday’s incident.
In a post on X, he said: “Thinking of all those involved in the Westmeath helicopter crash. This is a live operation and I am being kept briefed. My thoughts & gratitude are also with all the emergency services working to help at this time.”
