Two people confirmed dead after helicopter crashes into farm building

Two people have died after a helicopter crashed into a farm building in Westmeath. 

The incident happened near the village of Killucan at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday.

Gardaí said that two people on board the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene.

An Garda Síochána are liaising with the family of one male, Irish national (40s).

An Garda Síochána continue to establish contact with the next of kin of the second male (40s) who is understood to be from Eastern Europe, and may request the assistance of Interpol.

Both bodies have been removed from the scene to Regional Hospital Mullingar where post mortems will take place in due course. 

The local coroner has been notified.

Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service have now left the scene.

The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of the single-engine helicopter crash.

An Garda Síochána said they will assist the AAIU by providing any technical and/or forensic services which may be required in the course of their investigation.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was thinking of those involved. 

“Thinking of all those involved in the Westmeath helicopter crash,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

He added: “My thoughts & gratitude are also with all the emergency services working to help at this time.” 

The piggery building that the helicopter crashed into is close to pitches used by Raharney GAA club.

Killucan is approximately 15 kilometres from Mullingar.

Ken Glynn, Mayor of the Mullingar-Kinnegad municipal district, expressed his shock.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those involved and their families,” he said.

“I also want to commend the emergency services for their rapid response.” 

Councillor Denis Leonard represents the area where the crash occurred.

“Locally, people are shocked and stunned, but also their hearts just go out to the families of all those involved at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“I want to thank the emergency services in Westmeath because they were very quickly on the scene and a huge operation took place straight away.

“They responded extremely quickly and I want to thank them for their service today.”