TWO National Guardsmen have died after a military helicopter crashed in Mississippi.
The Apache AH-64 helicopter crashed at approximately 2 pm on Friday, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said in a statement on X.
"Tragically, both Guardsmen on board did not survive. Safety crews are currently working the scene of the crash with local authorities," he said in the post.
"Mississippi will always be grateful for their service and we will never forget them," he added.
The helicopter went down in a forested area in northeastern Mississippi near Boonville, according to a statement by the National Guard on Facebook.
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"The military aircraft was an AH-64 Apache, flying a routine training flight," the post said.
"One Soldier was in A Company 1-149 Aviation Regiment Unit and the second Soldier was in D Company 2-151 Lakota Medical Evacuation Unit, Mississippi National Guard," an update to the statement later revealed.
National Guard spokesman said no further details concerning the nature of the crash could currently be made public.
"We are not at liberty to discuss any details of this accident during an ongoing investigation," they said.
"Our paramount concern at this time is to ensure proper casualty assistance is conducted to support the surviving family members."
The crash occurred during a routine training exercise in Prentiss County, the National Guard and the governor confirmed.
The area around Mt. Olive Baptist Church off Highway 30 is still blocked off, according to local NBC/ABC affiliate WTVA-TV.
The total number of passengers on the plane was not immediately clear after the crash, Prentiss County Sheriff Randy Tolar told local reporters.
Officials have not yet identified the victims.
"More information will be forthcoming when available," the National Guard said.
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The crash is only the latest deadly accident to haunt the military in recent months.
Five marines were killed in another helicopter crash in California earlier this month and eight airmen were killed in a training accident off the coast of Japan in December.
Well-wishers are showing their support for the families and communities affected by Friday's tragedy in posts shared on social media.
"I would like to know their names. I would like all Mississippians to know their names. I hope you use your position to make sure their families understand that Mississippi grieves with them," one person replied to the governor's tweet on X.
"How is the Mississippi National Guard providing support to the families of the Guardsmen affected by this tragedy?" another X user asked.
"RIP. Praying for the families and the military aviation community," one person responded to the National Guard on Facebook.
"Prayers for all of our Soldiers. Prayers for the families," another commented with a prayer emoji.
The National Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comments by The U.S. Sun.
