Westmeath helicopter crash: Emergency services at the scene in Ireland

A helicopter has reportedly crashed into a building near central Ireland, around 40 miles west of Dublin.

The incident took place in Joristown, Killucan, Co Westmeath at around 3.30pm. Emergency services have rushed to the scene.

It is unclear if there have been any casualties. Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has said it has been notified of the accident.

Acting Chief Fire Officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt said every available resource had been diverted to the scene.

He said: “We understand that it's an incident involving an aircraft, a helicopter, crashing into a building.

"At the moment it's a breaking news story, we have all the principal response agencies mobilising to the scene, that would be An Garda Siochana, the ambulance services and ourselves.

"What we can understand is that there are a number of casualties involved but again we can't at this stage confirm the number.”

Local mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District Ken Glynn said it was a "shocking and tragic" incident.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTE News , Mr Glynn said: “I’m surprised and shocked, it’s not something you would expect to hear in your own locality.”

He added that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved in the incident and the first responders.

“It is a difficult scene for emergency services to be attending,” he said.

Gardai said in a short statement: “Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident involving a helicopter at a location near Killucan, Co Westmeath which occurred at approximately 3.30pm.

“As this is a live and ongoing operation, no further information is available at this time.”

Fr Stan Deegan, parish priest of St Brigid’s Church in Raharney, told RTE News he was “shocked to hear the news”.

“Whoever the people are who are involved in the incident, and wherever they are from, I hope and pray that life will be spared,” he said.

“It is a serious event, and you would worry for the families involved.

“The local community is a very hospitable one, with a good community spirit, and the people here would respond to local needs.”