Pentagon chief confirms 9 soldiers killed in Kentucky training mission

Washington, March 31
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that nine soldiers were killed in an accident during a routine training mission in the state of Kentucky.

"My heart goes out to the families of these servicemembers and to the members of the 101st Airborne Division," Austin said in a statement late Thursday.

Two HH60 Blackhawk helicopters, part of the 101st Airborne Division, crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky, late Wednesday night, according to a statement from Fort Campbell.

The crew members were flying the helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred.