Two Killed As Fort Hood Apache Helicopter Crashes In Salado

Two people are killed in an Apache helicopter crash in Salado.

Fatal Apache Helicopter Crash in Salado

A tragic helicopter accident claims two lives this afternoon (Wednesday) after an Apache military helicopter went down in rural Bell County. Local law enforcement confirmed that both individuals aboard the aircraft sustained fatal injuries during the crash. Emergency response units were dispatched to the scene in Salado after the Bell County Sheriff's Office received reports of the downed aircraft.

Emergency Response and Road Closures

The impact of the crash ignited a brush fire, so emergency crews from the Salado Fire Department and Bell County Emergency Service District 1 responded to the scene. Authorities noted that the helicopter impacted an open field and did not hit any nearby buildings.

Emergency Operations Following the Crash

Due to active emergency operations and heavy smoke:

FM 2843 was rendered impassable in the affected area, prompting officials to request that drivers stay away.

Law enforcement initiated localized evacuations for residents living in close proximity to the crash site as firefighters worked to contain the flames.

Investigation Underway

According to KCEN, the Army Criminal Investigation Division has been deployed to the scene to assess the wreckage, determine the flight path, and establish the cause of the crash. Fort Hood confirmed the helicopter was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood. Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general told KCEN, “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said. Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.” Further details regarding the identities of the victims are being withheld pending official notification of the next kin.

Apache Helicopter

The US Army’s Apache helicopter dates back to 1975 and since its creation, has seen action in every major American and NATO conflict. The aircraft has seen over five million flight hours and in excess of 1.3 million hours of combat. The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the model of the AH-64 Apache series.