Officials have confirmed that two individuals tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash in central Texas.
Emergency responders pronounced both individuals dead at the scene after receiving a call around 1:33 PM local time regarding the wreckage in fields south of Salado.
The aircraft involved was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, stationed at the nearby Fort Hood, a significant U.S. Army base.
Upon arrival, officers encountered the crash site along with a rapidly spreading fire, which Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman described as “getting out of control very quickly.”
The U.S. Army is actively conducting an investigation into the incident while emergency response efforts are in progress.
“Our immediate priority is to secure the site and support the initial response efforts,” stated Brig Gen Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division.
“Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information,” he added.
The AH-64 Apache is a sophisticated twin-engine, four-bladed multi-mission attack helicopter. It excels in armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike, and vertical maneuver missions, according to the U.S. Army.
Designed to accommodate two service members, the helicopter features a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position.
