CHARLESTON, W.V., - Thirteen of the 17 passengers stranded in a remote region of Pocahontas County have been evacuated from a U.S. Navy helicopter that was forced to land in the area on Thursday, National Guard officials said.
Rescued passengers are being evaluated by emergency services agencies in the area and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
West Virginia Army National Guard medics are still at the landing site and working with emergency crews to evacuate the remaining passengers, said Mike Cadle, the state public affairs officer.
The helicopter was reportedly carrying passengers from Fort Pickett, Va., to Camp Dawson in Preston County, W.Va. Three members of the West Virginia National Guard were on board the aircraft.
The aircraft was participating in Operation Southbound Trooper X, an annual military exercise focusing on the integration of joint U.S. and NATO tactics and procedures as well as inter-service coordination and capabilities.
A West Virginia Army National Guard HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter located the downed aircraft at about 7:15 p.m., on Thursday. Two medics were lowered to the landing site to assess the situation and assist the injured.
Rescue personnel reported several injuries to the passengers, but the extent of those injuries is still being determined.
A C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard based here has also been orbiting the site to maintain communications with the downed aircraft.
On-site rescue efforts are being coordinated by the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the West Virginia National Guard.
The National Guard is worked with local officials to deliver food, water, blankets and other essential items to the snow-covered, rugged site, which lies in northwestern Pocahontas County.