Two Soldiers Killed in Apache Helicopter Crash in Texas

Two U.S. Army soldiers were killed Wednesday when an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field near Salado, Texas, sparking a large grass fire that forced evacuations in the area, according to NBC News. The helicopter, based at Fort Hood, went down about 50 miles north of Austin in Bell County.

The Crash

First responders were called to the scene after 911 calls came in around 1:30 p.m. local time. The aircraft crashed in a field off Dove Hollow Lane, about a mile west of Interstate 35, south of Salado. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene by a local justice of the peace, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” Cliff Coleman, spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, told reporters at the scene.

The soldiers were taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. Their names are being withheld until 24 hours after their families could be notified.

Fire Response

The crash sparked a large grass fire, dubbed the “Dove Hollow Fire,” which spread to approximately 155 acres before firefighters brought it under control. By 7 p.m., the fire was 85% contained, and it later reached 95% containment, according to local reports from KWTX/NewsChannel10.

Several homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution, though no structures were damaged and no other injuries were reported. Farm to Market Road 2843 was shut down for hours near the crash site and was described as “impassable” in the area of the fire.

The Texas A&M Forest Service responded to the grass fire, and Travis County STAR Flight assisted with firefighting efforts, dropping water on the blaze. Local fire departments from Salado, Jarrell, Eastside, and Westside all responded.

Military Response

The helicopter was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood and was on a routine training flight when the crash occurred, according to an anonymous military official cited by the Associated Press and reported by The Guardian.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, said in a statement.

Diven added: “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts. Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressed condolences on social media, writing, “Today, an Apache helicopter crashed in Bell County during Fort Hood operations, killing two members of our military,” as reported by The Jerusalem Post. He added, “Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation.”

Investigation Underway

Fort Hood’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the crash investigation, with assistance from Bell County authorities and the Texas Department of Public Safety. No cause has been announced, and the inquiry remains ongoing.

The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter that the Army describes as “the most advanced aerial fighting vehicle in the world.” It has been a key part of the military’s fleet since the first versions were deployed in 1984, according to CBS News.

Context and History

Fort Hood is a massive U.S. Army installation spanning 214,968 acres, used to train and deploy heavy forces. The rolling, arid terrain around the base provides an ideal training ground, the Army says.

The base has experienced previous fatal incidents, including a November 2015 Black Hawk helicopter crash during a training exercise that killed four soldiers, and a 2016 incident in which nine Fort Hood soldiers died when a rain-swollen creek swept their vehicle into rushing waters.

What’s Next

The investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to continue in the coming days. The soldiers’ identities will be released after their families have been notified. The incident highlights the inherent risks of military aviation training and raises questions about whether any changes to training protocols at Fort Hood will follow.