4 U.S. service members killed in UH-60 Black Hawk crash

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Initial reports confirm, four U.S. service members were

killed when a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter attached to 1st Battalion, 214th

Aviation Regiment crashed at approximately noon today 22 miles southwest of Aviano,

Italy.

11 U.S. service members were on board the aircraft. Local Carabinieri [police] and emergency response teams have responded to the site. U.S. Air Force personnel at Aviano have offered their assistance at the crash site. The names of the victims are being withheld until notification of next of kin has been completed. The cause of the crash is currently unknown. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center deployed a team of safety

investigators in response to the crash. Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.