3 soldiers killed after National Guard helicopter crashes in Upstate New York, officials say
MENDON, New York (WABC) -- Several soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in Upstate New York Wednesday, according to officials.
Monroe County Sheriff's Office says a New York National Guard UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter carrying three soldiers crashed in an open field near West Bloomfield Road in Mendon, New York.
Monroe County officials say they received calls for an aircraft in distress around 6:30 p.m.
Rescue crews found a New York National Guard Blackhawk down. They say the aircraft was fully on fire when crews arrived on the scene.
Officials say the three soldiers, believed to be members of the New York National Guard, were killed.
The New York National Guard is on the way to the scene to investigate. The FAA will also investigate the incident.
According to 911 reports, officials say the aircraft was flying very low and there were reports that the engine was sputtering.
Officials say there is a debris field the size of a few city blocks.
The New York National Guard says the helicopter was based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport and crashed while on a routine training mission.
They are working to identify the soldiers that were on board.
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The aircraft was assigned to C Company of the first Battalion.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he's devastated by the crash and will direct flags on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff Thursday.
West Bloomfield Road between Cheese Factory Road and Boughton Hill Road was closed during the investigation.
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