Two people lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash near Fort Hood, Texas. The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed into a field in Central Texas, initiating a wildfire that led to evacuations. Emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene.
Cliff Coleman from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office stated the crash was reported around 1:34 p.m. The helicopter went down in a field south of Salado, approximately 30 minutes from Fort Hood. Reports indicate the crash happened near Dove Hollow Lane.
A firefighting helicopter was deployed to control the wildfire resulting from the crash. Coleman described the crash as violent and confirmed the fatalities. There were no other injuries reported. Initially, it was suggested that the helicopter was from Fort Hood, and military authorities later confirmed it was an Apache from the base. The victims’ identities have not been disclosed yet.
Authorities from local emergency services, military units, and law enforcement were actively dealing with the incident. Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, emphasized the importance of securing the crash site and supporting rescue efforts during these early stages. He expressed sympathy for the crew and their families.
The incident remains ongoing, with more details expected as the investigation progresses. The crash led to extensive emergency measures, including road closures and evacuations. Coleman noted that the fire remained uncontrolled by 4 p.m. ET, leading to evacuations of nearby residents. FM 2843 was closed near the crash site, as reported by KWTX.
The Salado Fire Department, along with Bell County ESD #1, reported efforts to combat a significant grass fire along FM 2843. They advised the public to avoid the area to keep routes clear for emergency responders.
Fort Hood is managing the investigation, although the cause of the crash has not been disclosed. The situation drew remarks and prayers from Abhiram Garapati, a Texas Republican congressional candidate. He shared his thoughts and prayers for those involved in the accident and the emergency response teams.
Further information about the crash and the identities of the individuals involved is still pending.
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