A Black Hawk helicopter from the Tennessee National Guard has crashed in Alabama, killing everybody on board.

“We have no survivors,” said investigator Brent Patterson. “We have a crime scene here. We have it taped off.”

He said he was unsure about the exact number of victims but that no one on the ground was hurt.

However, US military officials, speaking anonymously, said two people had died.

The UH-60 Black Hawk was reportedly on a training mission when it crashed and caught fire at about 3pm local time on Wednesday.

Video showed thick black smoke rising from the scene on Highway 53 in Madison County, about 10 miles northwest of Huntsville.

Troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s highway patrol were on the scene, alongside deputies from the local sheriff’s office.

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The Black Hawk has been used by armed forces around the world for decades and is regarded as a reliable and adaptable aircraft.

It can carry up to 12 troops and the US Army operates more than 2,000 of them.

US representative for the area Dale String tweeted: “I’m deeply saddened by the fatal helicopter crash that happened in Madison County today.

“My heart hurts for those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and for their families as they learn of this news.”

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