Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Two Baton Rouge Police Department pilots in Louisiana were killed after a uA BRPD helicopter crashed in the West Baton Rouge parish.
“The incident is currently being investigated by various law enforcement agencies, as well as other entities that regulate aviation and airspace travel,” authorities said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the helicopter was a Robinson R-44 helicopter and it crashed around 3 am
“I just heard a loud bang around 2:30 a.m., a quarter to three this morning,” said a neighbor, who asked not to be named. “It sounded like an explosion.”
The sources said that the helicopter crew had been dispatched to assist in a manhunt around 2 a.m. Sunday.or, but never came back.
According to local media, initially no one realized that the helicopter had been down for many hours. A search was eventually launched and the remains were found hours later.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will launch an investigation, while Authorities refrained from giving the names of the pilots until all relevant family members have been notified.
We ask that the community keep the families of the fallen officers in their thoughts and prayers, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to all of the first responders who have been working tirelessly to support our city during this difficult time.— Sharon Weston Broome (@ Mayor Broome) March 26, 2023
East Baton Rouge Mayor and President Sharon Weston Broome shared her condolences on social media, saying, “On behalf of the City of Baton Rouge, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the BRPD officers who tragically lost their lives today in a helicopter crash.”
“These officers served our community with distinction and bravery, and we will always be grateful for their service and sacrifice. We are working closely with the Baton Rouge Police Department to offer support in their investigation into the cause of this tragedy and provide support to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers,” he mentioned.
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