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A helicopter has crashed into a building in the Irish Midlands, causing "multiple casualties".
Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service acting chief fire officer Pat Hunt said all units from his brigade along with police and ambulances had rushed to the scene in County Westmeath.
He said it was understood a helicopter had crashed into a building.
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"What we can understand is that there are a number of casualties involved but again, we can't at this stage confirm the number," he told Midlands 103FM.
Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District Mayor Ken Glynn told RTÉ News the incident was "shocking and tragic".
"I'm surprised and shocked, it's not something you would expect to hear in your own locality," he said, adding that his thoughts and prayers were with relatives and first responders.
Hunt said the crash happened at Joristown Upper, just outside of Killucan, about 60 kilometres west of Dublin.
Police said the crash took place about 3.30pm on Tuesday (12.30am on Tuesday AEST).
Ireland's Air Accident Investigation Unit said it had been notified of a single-engine helicopter crash and was deploying a team of inspectors.
