Two people have been killed after a helicopter crashed into a farm building in Ireland.

Police have said the victims were both men aged in their 40s.

One was from Ireland and the other is understood to be from eastern Europe, officers added.

Both were on board the helicopter when it crashed into the piggery building.

They were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies have now been taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar where post-mortem examinations will be arranged.

The crash happened at 3.30pm on Tuesday in Co Westmeath and emergency services have been at the scene.

The piggery building is close to pitches used by Raharney GAA club.

The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of the single-engine helicopter crash.

Acting chief fire officer with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service Pat Hunt told Midlands 103 radio station: “We understand that it’s an incident involving a helicopter crashing into a building in the Joristown Upper townland in Killucan, Co Westmeath.”

He added: “All the principal response agencies are mobilising to the scene: An Garda Siochana, the ambulance service and ourselves.”

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Ken Glynn, the mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District, described the incident to Irish broadcaster RTE as “shocking and tragic”.

He said his thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved in the incident.

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