Helicopter crash in Co Westmeath claims two lives

The incident happened around late afternoon when the helicopter crashed onto the roof of a piggery in the Jorristown townland, near Raharney GAA club, between Raharney and Killucan villages.

The two men were the only occupants of the helicopter and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies have been taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar for post-mortem examinations. The local coroner has been informed.

Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and the National Ambulance Service have left the scene, which will be secured overnight for further investigations, local reports indicate.