Two Soldiers Killed When Army Apache Helicopter Crashes Near Salado, Texas
An AH-64 Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashed in a field near Salado, Texas, killing both soldiers on board and igniting a wildfire.
Two soldiers died when a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood went down in a field near Salado, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon. Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Bill Coleman said the aircraft crashed around 2:30 p.m. local time and did not strike any homes or other structures. The impact also sparked a wildfire that was still burning unchecked by about 3:30 p.m.
"Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general at Fort Hood, said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information."
Authorities have not released details about the cause of the crash or the identities of the service members, noting that names will be made public after families are notified. Fort Hood is located near Killeen, roughly 70 miles north of Austin.