A deadly crash of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter in central Texas has claimed the lives of two people on board, military and local law enforcement officials have confirmed.
Local emergency dispatch received a 911 call reporting aircraft wreckage in an open field south of the small village of Salado at approximately 13:33 local time (18:33 GMT). First responders rushed to the remote crash site immediately, where they confirmed both casualties had died at the scene.
According to statements from U.S. military authorities, the downed helicopter was assigned to Fort Hood, one of the largest active U.S. Army bases located in close proximity to the crash area. Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Cliff Coleman noted that when law enforcement and firefighting teams arrived, they encountered a large blaze that was spreading at a rapid pace, requiring urgent containment efforts.
As of the latest update, official investigations into the root cause of the crash are still in the early stages, while coordinated emergency response operations continue to secure and clear the site. Brigadier General Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, which oversees aviation units based at Fort Hood, released an official statement following the incident.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Diven said, adding, “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.” No additional details on the identities of the deceased or the nature of the flight the helicopter was conducting have been released to the public as the investigation progresses.