An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed in central Texas on Wednesday, killing both crew members and igniting a grass fire that forced evacuations in the surrounding area.
A US Army attack helicopter crashed in a field near Salado in central Texas on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of both pilots aboard. The AH-64 Apache, stationed at Fort Hood military installation, went down at approximately 1:35 p.m. local time, according to the US Army and Bell County Sheriff's Office.
The impact of the crash was severe, according to Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cliff Coleman, who described it as "a violent crash" when speaking to reporters. The collision immediately ignited a rapidly spreading grass fire that eventually consumed approximately 100 acres of land. By 5:00 p.m. local time, firefighting efforts had brought the blaze to roughly 45% containment.
Emergency response teams deployed to manage both the fire and its potential spread to populated areas. Local authorities implemented precautionary evacuations in nearby communities as flames and smoke spread across the landscape. Photographs and video footage from the scene depicted burning debris scattered across scorched ground, with firefighters continuing to suppress remaining hotspots.
Authorities confirmed that the incident resulted in no injuries to people on the ground and caused no damage to homes, buildings, or other structures. The AH-64 Apache is one of the most advanced combat helicopters operated by the US Army. Officials have not yet disclosed the helicopter's point of origin or intended destination at the time of the accident, and an investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
