- Two U.S. Army soldiers died in a crash involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter in Salado, Texas.
- The training flight incident ignited a grass fire burning up to one hundred acres near Fort Hood.
- Military investigators are probing the crash cause while names of the deceased remain withheld for family notification.
Two U.S. Army soldiers died Wednesday when an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in Salado, Texas, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office said.
Emergency crews responded after 911 calls came in around 1:30 p.m. Both soldiers were pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff’s spokesperson Cliff Coleman said. Salado is about 50 miles north of Austin.
The aircraft was based at Fort Hood, the Army installation said. Officials took the soldiers to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at the post before their names were withheld until 24 hours after their families could be notified.
The crash ignited a grass fire. No other injuries were reported.
Coleman said the helicopter came down in a field and described the wreckage as severe.
“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash.”
A military official speaking on condition of anonymity said the helicopter was conducting a routine training flight. The aircraft was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division.
Evacuations followed the crash near FM 2843
The wreckage lay in a field south of Salado near Dove Hollow Lane and Farm to Market Road 2843, about 20 miles from Fort Hood. Strong southern winds helped spread the flames.
Authorities ordered precautionary evacuations for residents along FM 2843 as multiple local fire departments worked to protect nearby homes. No homes or civilian structures were hit by the aircraft.
Law enforcement closed Farm to Market Road 2843 near the crash site, allowing emergency and military vehicles to reach the wreckage. Firefighters also worked to keep the blaze away from residential blocks less than half a mile away.
The fire continued to affect the response through the night. Tanker aircraft dropped fire retardant as crews fought the flames.
| Fire response detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Area burned | Between 77 and 100 acres |
| Containment at 5:00 p.m. | 45% |
| Nearby road | Farm to Market Road 2843 |
| Evacuation area | Residents along FM 2843 |
The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that the blaze had reached 45% containment by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday. The fire burned between 77 and 100 acres.
Fort Hood investigators are leading the crash inquiry
The Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Division took the lead in the formal investigation into what caused the crash. Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven said the immediate response centered on the site and those affected.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Diven said.
Diven, the acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, also offered condolences to the soldiers’ relatives, friends and fellow troops.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
The investigation will examine the circumstances of the routine training flight. The two soldiers were the pilot and the co-pilot/gunner.
Abbott asked Texans to pray for the military families
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asked for prayers for the soldiers’ families and the Fort Hood community.
“Today, an Apache helicopter crashed in Bell County during Fort Hood operations, killing two members of our military. Join Cecilia and me in prayer for their families and the entire Fort Hood community. Texas is forever indebted to those who serve.”
The Army has not released the soldiers’ names while officials complete the next-of-kin notification process. A 2015 Black Hawk crash at the base killed four soldiers, while a 2016 flash flood incident claimed nine lives.
