3 National Guard Members Killed In Helicopter Crash In New York
MENDON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Three National Guard members on a routine training flight were killed Wednesday when their helicopter crashed in a western New York town, an official said.
The craft, a UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter, crashed around 6:30 p.m. in Mendon, New York, a rural town south of Rochester, said Eric Durr, public affairs director of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.
It flew out of the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, and was assigned to C Company of the 1st Battalion, 171st General Support Aviation Battalion, he said.
Witnesses reported hearing sputtering sounds and seeing the helicopter low to the ground.
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The crash is under investigation.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement, saying in part, "National Guard members are our citizen soldiers who voluntarily serve and protect both here and abroad, and I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the family, loved ones and fellow soldiers of these honorable heroes who we will never forget."
Flags on all state buildings will be lowered to half-staff on Thursday to honor the members who were killed.
The victims have not been identified.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
