US military helicopter crash kills 2 in Texas, officials say

An Army Apache helicopter crashed in a central Texas field on Wednesday, resulting in the death of both people on board, according to officials. The AH-64 Apache helicopter was involved in the incident, as confirmed by the Bell County Sheriff’s office spokesman, Cliff Coleman. Both occupants of the helicopter succumbed to their injuries.

The cause of the crash has not been determined at this time. Fort Hood’s criminal investigation division is leading the investigation into the crash, as stated by Coleman. The helicopter did not come into contact with any homes or other structures during the crash, which was described as violent by Coleman. Fire retardant was subsequently deployed by a tanker aircraft to combat a grass fire that broke out following the helicopter crash.

Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general, emphasized that the immediate priority was to secure the site and support the initial response efforts. Condolences were extended to the crew and their families as more information became available.