Three soldiers were killed Wednesday evening when a military helicopter crashed in upstate New York, authorities said.

The UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter, based at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, was on a routine training mission when it crashed, according to the state military affairs division.

The soldiers were not immediately identified, WROC-TV of Rochester reported.

Continued: The aircraft was assigned to C Company of the 1st Battalion, 171st General Support Aviation Battalion. There were three Soldiers on board killed in the crash.
The incident is under investigation. https://t.co/5Uly31xRDG

— Adam Chodak (@AdamChodak) January 21, 2021

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said the crash occurred in a farmer’s field in the town of Mendon, about 15 miles south of Rochester, around 6:30 p.m.

BREAKING NEWS- MCSO is on scene of a confirmed helicopter crash on W. Bloomfield Rd btwn Cheese Factory and Boughton Hill. Media staging at Mendon Golf Course on Rt 64. Stay tuned to our SM for more info.

— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) January 21, 2021

Emergency crews "went into life-saving mode," upon arriving at the scene, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said during a news conference.

"This is a heavy heavy burden on all of us," Baxter said, according to the station. "We’re waiting for the National Guard for confirmation of who was on board and identification of our great soldiers."

"It is with heavy hearts that we stand before you tonight. Another example that freedom is not free." -Sheriff Baxter while addressing media on the tragic military helicopter crash in the Town of Mendon. pic.twitter.com/SvppOHtgrg

— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) January 21, 2021

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement on the crash. He said flags at all state buildings would be lowered to half-staff on Thursday.

"I am devastated by the news tonight of a New York Army National Guard helicopter crash in the Town of Mendon that killed three of New York's bravest during a training mission," Cuomo said.

Tonight we are devastated by the crash of a New York Army National Guard helicopter in the town of Mendon that killed three of New York's bravest during a training mission.

I'm directing that flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff tomorrow.

Full statement: pic.twitter.com/ztSnTwD4V1

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 21, 2021

"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," he continued.

Roads near the crash would remain closed "through the overnight," with only nearby residents allowed access, authorities said.

No further details were immediately released. The crash remained under investigation, officials said.

UPDATE: W. Bloomfield Rd. btwn Cheese Factory Rd. & Boughton Hill Rd. remains closed to the public through the overnight w/ the exception of residential homeowners. We ask that you please keep the families and loved ones of the deceased in your thoughts as the investigation

— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) January 21, 2021

"We ask that you please keep the families and loved ones of the deceased in your thoughts as the investigation into this tragic crash continues," the sheriff's office tweeted early Thursday. "Thank you to all of our 1st responder partners and to those who brought food/drink to the scene."

https://www.foxnews.com/us/military-helicopter-crashes-in-upstate-new-york