Overview
- An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from Fort Hood crashed into a field south of Salado on Wednesday, killing the two crew members aboard and prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
- The impact started a fast-moving grass fire that forced local evacuations and closed Farm to Market Road 2843, with responders reporting roughly 100–155 acres burned and the blaze about 85% contained by evening.
- No homes or other structures were reported damaged and no additional ground injuries were reported, and the deceased were taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center while their names are being withheld pending family notification.
- Fort Hood’s Criminal Investigation Division has secured the scene and is leading the active probe; officials have not determined a cause though an unnamed military source told AP the helicopter was on a routine training flight.
- The AH-64 Apache is a two-seat Army attack helicopter used in training and combat, and investigators will examine the wreckage and flight records to establish whether mechanical, human, environmental, or other factors contributed to the crash.