Body removed from Co Kildare helicopter crash site

By Michelle Devane, PA

A body has been removed from the wreckage of a helicopter crash in Co Kildare.

The helicopter crashed into a field in Brannockstown about 5kms southeast of Kilcullen on Sunday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services crews remained at the scene on Monday morning and a technical examination was being conducted by investigators.

The body was removed from the site by hearse on Monday morning.

Gardaí said they will provide assistance to the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU), which is the lead agency in the investigation.

A garda spokesman said: “It is Gardai’s understanding that there has been one confirmed fatality in this crash.”

“A file will be prepared for the coroner upon completion of an examination.”

The AAIU has completed an initial survey of the accident site at Brannockstown, Co. Kildare, and will return in the morning to continue its activities, including an ongoing site survey, witness interviews, and recovery of the wreckage to the AAIU wreckage examination facility.

— AAIU IRELAND (@aaiu_ireland) December 11, 2022

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) issued a statement on Sunday evening.

A post on Twitter read: “The AAIU has completed an initial survey of the accident site at Brannockstown, Co Kildare, and will return in the morning to continue its activities, including an ongoing site survey, witness interviews, and recovery of the wreckage to the AAIU wreckage examination facility.”