An Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashed in Salado, Texas, resulting in the tragic deaths of two onboard, according to local officials.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Bill Coleman, stated that the two individuals were confirmed deceased at the scene around 2:30 p.m. local time. The helicopter crashed into a field, avoiding any residential areas or other structures. Coleman described the crash as violent.
Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, confirmed that the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was stationed at Fort Hood. The Army has not disclosed additional details yet.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Diven mentioned in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
No immediate information was available regarding the cause of the crash or the identities of the victims.
A firefighting aircraft deployed fire retardant over a field southwest of Salado to manage a grass fire ignited by the crash, as reported by Brent Johnson of The Killeen Daily Herald. The wildfire remained uncontrolled as of 3:30 p.m. local time.
Fort Hood, located near Killeen, Texas, is positioned slightly northwest of Salado, approximately 70 miles north of Austin.