Military helicopter crash kills two and sparks wildfire – properties evacuated
The crash on Wednesday, August 12 killed both people on board the Army Apache helicopter and sparked a wildfire that forced several homes to be evacuated
The crash caused a wildfire(Image: Cliff Coleman)
Two people have died after an army helicopter plummeted into a field in central Texas.
The incident on Wednesday, August 12 claimed the lives of both occupants aboard the Army Apache chopper and ignited a wildfire that prompted the evacuation of several properties.
Reports suggest the aircraft went down during a standard training exercise. No explanation for the crash was immediately provided.
Nearby Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division is leading the crash investigation.
A AH-64 Apache attack helicopter has crashed in Texas (file image)(Image: Getty)
The helicopter did not strike any houses or other buildings when it came down, according to Cliff Coleman, spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff’s department.
“You could tell it was a violent crash,” he said.
Images from the location showed firefighters moving through a blackened field as columns of thick smoke billowed from flames still raging in the debris.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general.
“Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Fort Hood is a massive base with 214,968 acres (336 square miles) that is used to train and deploy heavy forces.
A tanker aircraft dumps fire retardant on a field after the crash(Image: AP)
The Army says the rolling, arid terrain around the base provides an ideal training ground.
Wednesday’s crash marks another tragic incident involving military personnel at Fort Hood. In November 2015, four soldiers lost their lives when a Black Hawk helicopter went down during a training exercise.
Nine Fort Hood soldiers perished in 2016 when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into raging waters.
The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter set-up is such that crew sits behind each other. The pilot is in the rear and the co-pilot gunner in the front position.
