Texas, United States: Two US Army soldiers were killed Wednesday after an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed into a field near Salado in Bell County, Texas, during a routine training flight. The crash occurred at about 1:30 p.m. local time, roughly 50 miles north of Austin, and sparked a large grass fire in the surrounding area.
The helicopter was carrying two soldiers, and both were killed in the crash. Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman confirmed that the two occupants were pronounced dead after emergency crews responded to 911 calls reporting the crash. The bodies were subsequently taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood.
The identities of the two soldiers had not been released as of August 13, with Fort Hood officials withholding their names pending notification of next of kin. No official source reviewed for this report has identified either soldier by name, rank, age or unit. Accordingly, their identities cannot yet be independently confirmed.
The crash happened in a field south of Salado, near the Interstate 35 corridor and FM 2843 area. Local reports placed the site about 50 miles north of Austin and roughly 30 minutes from the Fort Hood installation. The aircraft went down in an open field and the impact ignited dry grass, producing a large fire that spread beyond the immediate crash area.
Cliff Coleman, a Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, described the impact as a “violent crash.” Emergency responders from local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and Fort Hood were sent to the scene. Firefighters battled the resulting grass fire, while authorities closed roads in the area and evacuations were ordered for some nearby homes as the blaze threatened the surrounding area.
The Texas A&M Forest Service was reported to have estimated the fire at about 100 acres, with the blaze approximately 45% contained by Wednesday evening. The fire forced the closure of FM 2843 for a period, with local authorities describing the roadway as impassable because of the fire. No reports reviewed indicated that any civilians were killed or injured in the crash, and authorities said no homes were struck by the aircraft.
Fort Hood confirmed the aircraft involved was an Apache based at the installation and said military and civilian emergency responders were working at the crash site. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation into the accident. The cause of the crash has not been established, and authorities have not disclosed whether a mechanical problem, weather, pilot action or another factor played a role.
Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, said, “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts.” He also said, “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Diven later expressed condolences to the soldiers’ families, friends and fellow troops, saying, “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also acknowledged the deaths, saying, “Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation.”
The crash remains under investigation, and officials have not released a preliminary explanation for how the Apache went down. Investigators will now examine the wreckage and other available evidence as they work to determine what caused the fatal accident. Fort Hood has said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
