Military helicopter crash in NY kills THREE National Guard soldiers in Rochester as shocking pic shows flaming wreckage

A HELICOPTER of the New York Army National Guard crashed in upstate New York on Wednesday night, killing three soldiers. 

The UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter crashed in Mendon, a suburb of the city of Rochester, New York, while on a routine training mission, the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs said in a statement.

Three soldiers on board the aircraft died and the crash is under investigation, according to the statement obtained by WXXI News. 

The chopper was assigned to C Company of the 1st Battalion, 171st General support Aviation Battalion, the agency stated.

A photo shared on Twitter by a WROC anchor showed a fiery blaze and smoke billowing from the ground where the chopper crashed. 

The helicopter crashed around 6:30pm along West Bloomfield Road near Cheese Factory Road, according to WROC. 

Witnesses said they saw a chopper flying low near the ground. 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement that he was “devastated” by the crash that killed “three of New York's bravest during a training mission.”

"National Guard members are our citizen soldiers who voluntarily serve and protect both here and abroad, and I extend prayers and condolences from all New Yorkers to the family, loved ones and fellow soldiers of these honorable heroes who we will never forget,” Cuomo said.

The governor directed flags on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday to commemorate “these New Yorkers who dedicated their service to nation and state."

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office was set to hold a press briefing at 9:15pm.

More to follow…

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