Two soldiers were killed Wednesday when an Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed, according to military officials and local authorities.
The helicopter went down in Salado, a village in Bell County, prompting emergency crews and law enforcement officers to rush to the scene. Fort Hood officials confirmed that both soldiers aboard the aircraft died, but their identities are being withheld until their family members are officially notified.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office said it began receiving 911 calls about the crash at approximately 1:34 p.m. local time. Cliff Coleman, the department’s public information officer, told reporters that the helicopter did not strike any homes or other structures.
Coleman described the crash as particularly severe, saying it was immediately apparent that the aircraft had gone down with tremendous force. The two service members were pronounced dead at the scene about an hour after emergency officials received the first reports.
The soldiers were later transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood as authorities continued working to secure the crash site and investigate what happened.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also offered condolences following the deaths. Abbott said Texas remains deeply grateful to the service members who put their lives on the line in service to the state and country.
The crash also triggered a large fire in the surrounding area. Multiple fire departments responded as flames spread across nearby land, and authorities temporarily evacuated several residents along FM-2843 as crews worked to contain the blaze.
By approximately 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had burned an estimated 155 acres and was reported to be 95% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash remain under investigation. Fort Hood’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation as officials work to determine what caused the Apache to go down.
The deaths represent a serious loss for the Fort Hood community and the soldiers’ families, while officials continue withholding additional details until the investigation and family notification process move forward.
