16 February 2023 , 01:59
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At least two people have died after a Blackhawk helicopter crashed into a highway and exploded.
The UH-60 Black Hawk chopper belonging to Tennessee National Guard landed on the Highway 53 near Harvest, Alabama around 3pm local time on Wednesday, resulting in a huge fireball.
An Army official speaking on condition of anonymity said the helicopter was on a training mission at the time of the crash.
No survivors were found, according to Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, with investigator Brent Patterson saying: "We have no survivors
"We have a crime scene here. We have it taped off."
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Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a "pile of rubble", according to Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Firefighters arrived at the scene on Wednesday to find a 'pile of rubble' (Twitter)Local news outlets showed large plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site, with multiple emergency response vehicles at the scene.
Cars could also be seen queuing further back on the highway in one piece of video footage shared on social media, while other clips showed smoke clouds clearly visible from nearby residential areas.
No injuries to pedestrians or drivers have been reported.
Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) officials confirmed that a military helicopter had been involved in a crash but did not give any information about its origin.
Redstone Arsenal, a nearby United States Army post, said initial investigations suggested the incident was not connected to any of their assets.
The Highway 51 in Alabama is expected to remain closed for several days (@spann/Twitter)
No injuries to pedestrians or drivers were reported following the crash (@spann/Twitter)Redstone Arsenal wrote on Facebook: "First responders are on scene, and Redstone Arsenal is in full support of local authorities in their active investigation."
"Initial investigations have determined that the incident is not connected to Redstone Arsenal assets, and we will continue to support community authorities as the situation develops."
Highway 53 has now been closed in the area, while the sheriff's office have advised local residents to use alternate routes.
Madison County Commissioner Phil Vandiver said the section of the highway is expected to remain closed for “days".
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Commenting on the incident, U.S. representative for Alabama's 5th congressional district Dale Strong wrote in a tweet: "I'm deeply saddened by the fatal helicopter crash that happened in Madison County today"
A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter (file image) (AFP via Getty Images)"My heart hurts for those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and for their families as they learn of this news."
Brigadier General Warner A. Ross, Tennessee's Adjutant General, said in a statement that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of two Tennessee National Guardsmen" and asked Tennesseans to "join us in supporting their families during this time of unthinkable grief.”
The Tennessee National Guard said it would support law enforcement and other first responders in handling the crash site, and would work to provide more information as details become available.
UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are used as a primary aviation vehicle in several different areas of the US military, including the National Guard.
They have been involved in a small number of crashes during routine exercises over recent years, with some resulting in injuries and even fatalities.
In 2021, three Idaho Army National Guard pilots died when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training flight.
And last year, two Black Hawks worth $6million crash landed near Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah after whiteout conditions resulted in a failed landing.
None of men and women aboard the helicopter or the dozens of skiers nearby at the resort were injured.