TEXAS: Two US Army soldiers were killed after an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed in a field near Salado in Central Texas on Wednesday (local time), sparking a large grass fire, the US Army said. The Army confirmed that both soldiers aboard were killed in the crash, with their identities being withheld for 24 hours following notification of their next of kin, according to a statement issued by Fort Hood.
Citing the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at about 1:35 pm (local time) in a field near Salado, according to CNN. The fire spread across roughly 100 acres, according to CNN, while authorities said no structures or other people were struck by the helicopter. The impact ignited a large grass fire in the area, prompting evacuations as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Fort Hood personnel remained at the scene, working alongside local first responders, while an investigation into the incident was underway. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also expressed condolences following the deaths, offering prayers for the soldiers’ families and the wider Fort Hood community.
