There are fears two people have died after a helicopter crashed into a farm building in Co Westmeath this afternoon.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident, which occurred near Killucan at around 3.30pm.
The Irish Independent understands there were two people on board the helicopter when it struck the local piggery.
Locals said they believed it may have suffered engine trouble before it struck the building.
Sean Power was working on a roof just over half a mile from the crash scene.
“I was working away and the next thing I just heard the engine cut out,” he told the Irish Independent.
“I heard the airplane, I didn’t see it and the next thing I heard was a big bang. The engine just cut out and the bang was very quick after it so I don’t know if it was that high.”
Local shopkeeper, Tom Keyes, said the local community had been left stunned by the incident.
“It is a terrible thing,” he said, revealing how a similar type incident occurred in the area around 20 years previously.
“It is a dark day for the village and all of a sudden it is on every paper and every news bulletin.
“What more do you say? Its unprecedented for the area.”
Acting Chief Fire Officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt confirmed there had been several casualties in the incident.
Emergency services, including gardaí, ambulance services, and Mullingar Fire Brigade are currently at the scene.
Emergency services and a hearse at the crash site in Westmeath. Photo: Collins.
Flight data shows that the helicopter had been flying for around 25 minutes prior to the crash.
The same aircraft had also undertaken a short journey this morning lasting 27 minutes, departing from, and returning to, Weston Airport near Lucan.
Midlands 103 FM has reported that several people have been injured in the incident.
Pat Hunt, acting chief fire officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service, told the radio station that there have been several casualties in the incident.
He said all available resources were being sent to the scene of the incident.
A hearse arrives at the crash site in Killucan, Westmeath. Photo: Collins.
“Mullingar Fire Brigade and all the units in the station have been mobilised to the scene,” he told Midlands 103 FM.
“What we can understand is that there are a number of casualties involved but, again, we can’t at this stage confirm the number,” he added.
Sinn Féin councillor in Kinnegad, David Jones, said the community is “shocked” by the incident.
“The Lucan, Jorristown, Raharney – it’d be small communities, very close community so something like this would have a devastating impact on these communities.
“I’m sure all communities around Jorristown are in shock at the moment and are just praying,” he told listeners.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) confirmed it was also sending a team to the crash site this afternoon.
“The AAIU has been notified of an accident involving a single-engine helicopter near Killucan, Co Westmeath, this afternoon. The AAIU is deploying a team of inspectors at this time. Further updates will be provided when available,” a spokesperson said on social media.
“As this is a live and ongoing operation, no further information is available at this time,” a garda spokesperson said.
More to follow..