Two U.S. Army helicopters collided in the air over Kentucky homes during late-night training exercises, killing all nine soldiers aboard, military officials announced on Thursday, March 30,

Fort Campbell officials stated that the two 101st Airborne Division helicopters collided during "a routine training operation" with night-vision goggles, over Trigg County around 10 p.m.

All nine soldiers aboard, five on each of the choppers and four others on the other were declared dead at the crash site.

"Despite our losses, they were fortunate because they were able to land in an open area across from a residential area," said Brig. John Lubas the deputy commander of the division, also known as the "Screaming Eagles".

He said that "thankfully" there were no more injuries or casualties among the local residents.

He noted that it was unclear why the helicopters collided, given the clear visibility and low wind. Neither pilot made any distress calls.

“This is a truly tragic loss,” Lubas said of the fallen soldiers, who were not identified pending ongoing notification of families, some of whom are not in the US.

“Our number one priority is caring for the families and the soldiers,” he said, sending “thoughts and prayers.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called it “a tough and tragic day” as he visited the base.

“We’re going to do what we always do, we’re going to wrap our arms around these families, we’re going to be with them for the weeks and days to come,” Beshear said.

“If they’ll allow us to carry some of their grief, we’ll do that for as long as we can.”

Members of the Kentucky Senate also stood for a moment of silence Thursday morning in honor of the crash victims.

“It’s a heavy day for the Army,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth also told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Photos from the scene showed a huge ball of flames as rescuers rushed to the wrecked HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

The Black Hawk helicopter is a critical workhorse for the Army, used heavily during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rip to them

My condolences to their families

So bad

My2k