ALBAWABA - The two soldiers were on board the helicopter when it crashed in Salado, Texas. They were pronounced dead when officers arrived at the scene on Wednesday.
The sheriff's office received 911 calls at 1:30 p.m. at Salado, 80 kilometers north of Austin, Texas, and found the crashed AH-64 Apache helicopter in flames,
"It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash," sheriff's spokesperson Cliff Coleman told reporters at the scene.
Adding that the crash caused a large fire that "looks to be out of control", burning a large area of land and prompting some evacuations in the area – as of 7 p.m., the fire had spread to 155 acres and was contained, according to Coleman.
“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, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, said in a statement.
Greg Abbott, Texas Governor, posted: “Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation,” on X.
The Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter was based at Fort Hood and the soldiers were taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center there, their names are being withheld for 24 hours as their families are being notified.
No structures were damaged, and no other injuries were reported.
