Photo: Getty Images
Two members of the Tennessee National Guard were killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed on an Alabama highway on Wednesday (February 15) afternoon.
The helicopter and its crew were participating in a training mission when it went down in Madison County near Highway 53 and Burwell Road around 3 p.m. Investigators have not determined what caused the UH-60 Black Hawk to crash.
Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill said that it took about three hours to recover the bodies of the two men from the crash site. He did not release their identities.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Tennessee National Guardsmen, and our prayers are with their families during this heartbreaking tragedy," said Brig. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee's Adjutant General. "We ask Tennesseans to join us in supporting their families during this time of unthinkable grief."
Officials expect Highway 53 to remain closed in both directions on Thursday, at least through the morning rush hour. The Madison County Sheriff's Office noted that debris from the crash is spread out and asked the public to contact them if they find any pieces of the helicopter.
"Sheriff's deputies believe debris could be scattered across areas near the crash site. If you locate any wreckage, please avoid the area and notify the Madison County Sheriff's Office so our team of investigators can make contact with you," the department wrote on Twitter.