Authorities confirm no survivors in Harvest helicopter crash

: A Blackhawk helicopter from the Tennessee National Guard crashed along Hwy 53 in Harvest Wednesday. Witnesses say the helicopter was flying over nearby subdivisions right before crashing, but ended up going down in the median of Hwy 53 between Kelly Springs Drive and Jeff Road -- limiting the potential for increased loss of lives.

Published 4:56 pm Wednesday, February 15, 2023

By Craig Monger (1819News.com)

Authorities have confirmed a deadly helicopter crash in Madison County left no survivors.

Wednesday afternoon, first responders received calls of a downed helicopter near Highway 53 and Burwell Road in Huntsville.

Videos and pictures posted on social media show the helicopter plummeting to the ground and immediately going up in smoke.

According to Don Webster with Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, no one survived the crash, although it’s unclear how many people were on board at the time.

While it has not been confirmed if the helicopter is civilian or military, Redstone Arsenal, the United States Army post in Madison County, released the following statement:

“Redstone Arsenal leaders are aware of reports of a helicopter incident near Highway 53 in Huntsville. First responders are on scene, and Redstone Arsenal is in full support of local authorities in their active investigation. Initial investigations have determined that the incident is not connected to Redstone Arsenal assets, and we will continue to support community authorities as the situation develops.”

U.S. Congressman Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), who is also the former Madison County Commission chairman, offered his condolences to the families of those involved in the crash.

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

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.

From the Madison County Sheriff’s Office concerning road clsures for Thursday:

MCSO deputies remain on the scene of a helicopter crash in the area of Hwy 53 & Burwell Road. Tomorrow morning’s traffic commute will be heavily impacted on Hwy 53 between the areas of Jeff Road and Douglas Road, as well as a stretch of highway between Research Park Blvd & Jeff Road. These areas of travel will be CLOSED to all northbound/southbound traffic tomorrow, and we anticipate these closures well into the later afternoon hours tomorrow. If your morning commute includes traveling these areas, you must plan to utilize a different route.

We recommend traveling over to Hazel Green to utilize Pulaski Pike or Hwy. 231/431 as the optimal routes to get to Huntsville and Old Railroad Bed Road or Wall Triana from Hwy 53 to get to the Madison area.

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