Two soldiers were killed on Aug. 12 when a U.S. Army helicopter crashed in a field in central Texas, sparking a large grass fire and prompting evacuations, authorities said.
Authorities received 911 calls at about 1:34 p.m. local time reporting a helicopter crash in an area south of Salado, a community about 30 miles southeast of Fort Hood, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office said. Responding deputies found the wreckage of a helicopter and a grass fire that was “out of control,” according to Cliff Coleman, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
The two soldiers aboard the helicopter were pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m. local time, Coleman said. Officials are withholding the soldiers’ names until their families have been notified.
“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” Coleman said during a news conference, adding that the helicopter did not strike any homes or other structures, and no other injuries were reported.
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The U.S. Army identified the aircraft as an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood. In a news release, the Army said local emergency responders, military personnel and law enforcement agencies were responding to the scene.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division acting commanding general, said in a statement.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Hood is leading the investigation into the incident, according to Coleman.
US Army helicopter crash sparks grass fire
Authorities closed portions of a nearby road as a precaution because of the fire, and some residents in the area were evacuated, according to Coleman.
The Salado Fire Department issued a public safety alert asking people to avoid the area. The roadway near the scene was “currently impassable,” according to the fire department.
“Please avoid the roadway and choose an alternate route,” the fire department said on social media. “This will help keep traffic clear for responding fire and emergency personnel.”
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2 service members killed during Fort Hood operations
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said two service members were killed when the Apache helicopter crashed during operations at Fort Hood. The service members will be transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, according to officials.
“Join Cecilia and me in prayer for their families and the entire Fort Hood community,” Abbott said in a statement on X. “Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation.”
The AH-64 Apache is a two-seat attack helicopter, with the pilot seated in the rear cockpit and the co-pilot gunner seated in the front, according to the U.S. Army.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 dead after Army Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashes in Texas