AAIU seek footage of helicopter involved in crash

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has asked people who have photos or video of the helicopter flying in the vicinity of Killucan yesterday afternoon to send it to its investigators.

A team of AAIU inspectors is now at Killucan to continue a site survey of the accident site, and to recover the helicopter to the AAIU wreckage examination facility at Gormanston.

Those who have photos or video they think would be useful for the investigation are asked to submit it by email info@aaiu.ie or to contact the AAIU at 016041292.

Update from the gardaí

At approximately 3,30pm yesterday, Tuesday 30 July, gardaí and emergency services responded to a report of a serious incident involving a helicopter at a farm near Killucan.

Two people on board the aircraft were pronounced deceased at the scene.

An Garda Síochána are liaising with the family of one male, Irish national (40s).

An Garda Síochána are establishing contact with the next of kin of the second male (40s) who is understood to be from Eastern Europe, and may request the assistance of Interpol.

Both bodies were removed from the scene to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, where post mortems will take place. The local coroner has been notified.

Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service attended the scene.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is the authority for investigating air accidents and serious incidents in Ireland and is the lead agency investigating this aircraft incident.

The scene remained preserved overnight.

An Garda Síochána will assist the AAIU by providing any technical and/or forensic services which may be required in the course of their investigation.