Two killed in Apache crash as Texas wildfire forces evacuations
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Two people were killed after a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed into a field south of Salado, Texas, on Wednesday, according to local authorities. The crash ignited a vegetation fire that prompted evacuations, creating an immediate risk to nearby residents as emergency services responded.
The incident occurred in Bell County in central Texas, where the fire spread through grassland. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze; authorities had not stated what caused the helicopter to crash.
- Apache helicopter crash killed two people in central Texas
- Crash sparked a grass fire and evacuations
- Cause of the crash has not been announced
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The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine military attack helicopter used by the US Army for missions including reconnaissance and supporting ground forces. Fort Hood, now officially called Fort Cavazos, is a major US Army base in central Texas, near the town of Salado in Bell County.
Bell County includes rural areas where dry grass and vegetation can allow fires to spread quickly, particularly during hot or windy conditions. Local fire services and law enforcement can order people to leave nearby homes temporarily when a fire threatens property or roads.
Military aircraft crashes are normally investigated to establish what happened, including possible mechanical, weather, operational or other factors. The deaths of crew members and the fire response involve both military authorities and local emergency services.
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Originally published by Fox News as “Deadly military helicopter crash in Texas kills 2, sparks wildfire and forces evacuations: officials”.