Black Hawk helicopter engulfed in flames after crash on Alabama highway: ‘no survivors’

A UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopter that crashed to the ground Wednesday afternoon and burst into a fireball on an Alabama Highway has left “no survivors.”

The plane crashed into the median strip of Highway 53, near Burwell Road, in the town of Harvest, about half an hour northwest of Huntsville, shortly before 3 p.m.

Crime scene footage showed thick, black smoke billowing from the crash site. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Huntsville Emergency Medical Services said there were no survivors. It is unclear where the helicopter in question was based, who was on board and how many people died.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the fatal accident is likely to cause “severe delays” and has asked motorists to find alternate routes due to a highway closure.

For the United States military, the main user of the Black Hawk helicopter is the military, with approximately 1,600–1,700 different variants in service. A similar helicopter is pictured here in flight

Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army post and census-designated place adjacent to Huntsville in Madison County.

Leaders of the station released a statement on Facebook saying they are aware of the incident.

“Redstone Arsenal leaders are aware of reports of a helicopter incident near Highway 53 in Huntsville,” the statement said.

“First responders are on scene and Redstone Arsenal is fully supporting local authorities in their active investigation.

“Initial investigations have determined that the incident is unrelated to Redstone Arsenal’s assets and we will continue to support community authorities as the situation develops.”

Video footage of the incident, which took place at about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, shows the helicopter crashing into the highway

It is unclear where the helicopter in question was based, who was on board and how many people died. While bystanders saw large plumes of black smoke rising from the site

Several rescue crews responded to the military helicopter crash near Highway 53 and Burwell Road. Motorists are being urged to take alternative routes due to a road closure

Alabama Highway 53 southbound to Jeff Road will remain closed to traffic, according to MCSO, as will between Douglas Road and Alabama 53.

For the United States military, the main user of the Black Hawk helicopter is the military, with approximately 1,600–1,700 different variants in service.

The Navy has about 750 Black Hawk variants (usually SH-60 or MH-60 Seahawks), while the Air Force has just over 100 HH-60 Pave Hawks.

The Coast Guard has about 40 HH-65 Pave Hawks and the Marine Corps has 8 VH-60 White Hawk.