27 March 2023 , 14:14
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Two "dedicated" police officers were tragically killed when a helicopter plunged into a sugarcane field.
The two officers from the Baton Rouge Police Department plunged to their deaths on Sunday morning at the West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.
A major investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched. It was a Robinson R-44 helicopter and went down around 3am local time (9am GMT), according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The wreckage was located in a sugarcane field along North Winterville Road off US 190 near Port Allen.
The names of the police pilots killed in the crash have not been released as of yet.
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The BRPD said multiple law enforcement agencies, as well as other entities that regulate aviation and airspace travel, are involved in the investigation.
The two officers were "dedicated" members of the Baton Rouge Police DepartmentBaton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul told WAFB that the department is asking the public "to be respectful of the investigative process because it does take time so that we can release all the facts related to this incident to the family as well as the community."
At the time, the BRPD said in a statement: "The Baton Rouge Police Department is deeply saddened by the line of duty deaths of two dedicated members of our department.
"This morning, a Baton Rouge Police helicopter crashed in West Baton Rouge Parish.
"This tragic incident is currently being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, as well as other entities that regulate aviation and airspace travel.
Law enforcement officers escort the two fallen Baton Rouge Police pilots from the scene of the deadly helicopter crash"The entire BRPD family extends our deepest sympathy to the families, friends and all those touched by these officers' lives and service."
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome released a statement regarding the deadly helicopter crash.
It read: "On behalf of the City of Baton Rouge, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the BRPD officers who tragically lost their lives today in a helicopter crash.
"These officers served our community with distinction and bravery, and we will forever be grateful for their service and sacrifice.
The BRPD sent their deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the two officers"We are working closely with the Baton Rouge Police Department to offer support for their investigation into the cause of this tragedy and to provide support to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers.
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"We ask the community to keep the families of the fallen officers in their thoughts and prayers, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to all of the first responder agencies who have been working tirelessly to support our city during this difficult time."
BRPD Chief Murphy Paul said on Monday: "Today is a very emotional day for the men and women of the Baton Rouge Police Department.
"Right now, we’re asking the community to lift up our officers in prayer."
A neighbour told WAFB: "I just heard a loud boom at around 2.30am, quarter to three this morning. Sounded like an explosion."