Two U.S. Army soldiers died Wednesday when an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed into a field in Salado, Texas. The crash occurred approximately 50 miles north of Austin.
Local authorities described the incident as a violent crash that sparked a large grass fire. The resulting wildfire forced the evacuation of several homes, although officials confirmed the helicopter did not strike any houses or other structures.
Military officials stated the aircraft was on a routine training flight before it went down. Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division is leading the probe, and a cause for the crash has not yet been announced.
Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general, stated that the immediate priority is securing the site and supporting initial response efforts. He added that thoughts are with the crew and their families as further information is awaited.