Two people have been killed in a helicopter crash in County Westmeath.
Emergency services and Gardaí were sent to the scene near the village of Killucan at around 3.30pm this afternoon.
The single-engine helicopter is a civilian aircraft and is believed to have originated from Weston Airport and travelled west.
The men on board the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene.
The aircraft came down in a rural area on farmland next to Ratharney GAA Club, with the helicopter seen protruding from the roof of a farm building.
Gardaí are liaising with the family of one man, an Irish man aged in his 40s, and are continuing to establish contact with the next of kin of the second man - also aged in his 40s - who is understood to be from Eastern Europe.
The wreckage of the helicopter seen above the roof of a building in Killucan, Co Westmeath, 30-7-24. Image: Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ieGardaí add that they may request the assistance of Interpol.
It is believed nobody on the farm has been injured. It is not known what caused the crash or where the helicopter was flying to.
Both bodies have been removed from the scene to Regional Hospital Mullingar where post mortems will take place. The local Coroner has been notified.
Taoiseach Simon Harris says he's thinking of all those involved in the crash and also thanked the emergency services working to help.
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— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 30, 2024
Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service have left the scene which will remain persevered overnight to allow for an investigation to take place.
An Garda Síochána say they will assist the AAIU by providing "any technical and/or forensic services which may be required in the course of their investigation."
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is the lead agency investigating the crash.
