Two people died Wednesday after a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed violently into a Central Texas field, igniting a wildfire that prompted evacuations and drew a large emergency response, officials said.
Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said dispatchers were alerted to the crash at about 1:34 p.m.
The aircraft went down south of Salado, about a 30-minute drive from Fort Hood. According to KWTX, the crash site was near Dove Hollow Lane.
A firefighting helicopter works over a wildfire sparked by a deadly military helicopter crash near Salado, Texas. (KDTX)
Coleman called the crash violent and confirmed that two people were killed. Authorities said no additional injuries were reported.
Coleman said the aircraft was an Apache helicopter and initially indicated it was believed to be connected to Fort Hood, while noting that military officials would provide formal confirmation.
Fort Hood later confirmed the helicopter was an AH-64 Apache attack aircraft based at the installation. Officials have not yet released the names of the two people who died.
In a statement, Fort Hood said local emergency crews, military personnel and law enforcement agencies were actively responding at the scene.
A firefighting helicopter responds near the scene of a deadly Apache military helicopter crash south of Salado, Texas. (KDTX)
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, said. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Fort Hood called the crash an ongoing and developing situation and said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
The crash sparked a wildfire, prompting a large emergency response, road closures and evacuations.
Coleman said the fire remained uncontrolled as of 4 p.m. ET and that some residents had been evacuated because of the flames. KWTX reported that Farm to Market Road 2843 was shut down near the crash site.
A police vehicle sits near a burned field after a military helicopter crash sparked a wildfire south of Salado, Texas. (KDTX)
Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1 said crews were battling a “major grass fire” along FM 2843 and warned the public that the roadway was impassable in the affected area.
“Please avoid the roadway and choose an alternate route,” the department said in a public safety alert. “This will help keep traffic clear for responding fire and emergency personnel.”
The department also urged drivers not to attempt to travel through the area or around emergency vehicles.
Coleman said Fort Hood is leading the investigation into the crash. The cause has not been released.
Abhiram Garapati, a Republican congressional candidate in Texas, offered prayers for those involved in the crash and the first responders at the scene.
“My prayers are with those aboard, the first responders responding to the scene, and any individuals affected by the fire that began as a result of the crash,” Garapati wrote on Facebook.
Fort Hood has not yet released the identities of the crew or additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
