1 dead, 3 injured following Fort Polk area helicopter crash

According to a post on the JRTC and Fort Polk Facebook page, an Army helicopter (UH-60 Black Hawk) crashed early Thursday morning in the JRTC and Fort Polk training area.

One crew member died and three others were injured.

Two of the injured members were sent to Rapides Regional Medical Center. The third was sent to Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital. All three injuries were non-life-threatening.

Emergency teams responded to the 1-5 Aviation Battalion, a Fort Polk based unit.

The aircraft was flying a MEDEVAC mission. The personnel was with Fort Polk’s U.S. Army Air Ambulance Detachment, 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment.

Kim Reischling, a Fort Polk spokeswoman, explained one of ‘Cajun Dust-Offs’ biggest missions is to fly MEDEVAC. The crew was on their way to pick up a heat casualty, a routine medical evacuation with thousands of troops training in the field year-round.

The crash is still under investigation and names will not be released until possibly Friday.

Senator John Kennedy sent his condolences on Twitter, saying, "I’m saddened to learn about this tragic accident at Fort Polk. My thoughts are with the family of the fallen, with the service members who were injured and with all the men and women at Fort Polk who are mourning the loss of a friend."

Senator Bill Cassidy tweeted, "A terrible accident has happened today at Fort Polk and my heart breaks to hear it. Praying for the families and friends of the Army service members involved in this tragedy. God bless them."

Rep. Mike Johnson also released a statement, saying: “I am deeply saddened by the report of the tragic accident at Fort Polk early this morning. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Fort Polk officials to receive updates as the situation develops. Kelly and I join all Louisianians in praying for the family of the brave soldier who passed away and for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. We cannot thank the men and women of Fort Polk enough for all they do, at home and abroad, to keep us safe.”

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