Military helicopter crash near Salado, Texas sparks vegetation fire

Two people were killed Wednesday when a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter violently crashed into a field in Central Texas, sparking a wildfire that forced evacuations and sent emergency crews racing to the scene, authorities said.

Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said authorities received the call about the crash at approximately 1:34 p.m.

The helicopter went down in a field south of Salado, roughly 30 minutes from Fort Hood. KWTX reported the crash occurred off Dove Hollow Lane.

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Coleman described the crash as violent and confirmed two people were killed. No one else was injured.

Coleman identified the aircraft as an Apache helicopter and initially said it was believed to be from Fort Hood, but deferred to military officials for confirmation.

Fort Hood later confirmed the aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at the installation. The identities of the two people killed have not been released.

Local emergency services, military responders and law enforcement were actively responding to the scene, Fort Hood said in a statement.

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“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, said. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”

Fort Hood called the crash an ongoing and developing situation and said additional information would be released as it becomes available.

The crash sparked a wildfire, prompting a large emergency response, road closures and evacuations.

Coleman said the fire remained uncontrolled as of 4 p.m. ET and that some residents had been evacuated because of the flames. KWTX reported that Farm to Market Road 2843 was shut down near the crash site.

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Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1 said crews were battling a “major grass fire” along FM 2843 and warned the public that the roadway was impassable in the affected area.

“Please avoid the roadway and choose an alternate route,” the department said in a public safety alert. “This will help keep traffic clear for responding fire and emergency personnel.”

The department also urged drivers not to attempt to travel through the area or around emergency vehicles.

Coleman said Fort Hood is leading the investigation into the crash. The cause has not been released.

Abhiram Garapati, a Republican congressional candidate in Texas, offered prayers for those involved in the crash and the first responders at the scene.

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“My prayers are with those aboard, the first responders responding to the scene, and any individuals affected by the fire that began as a result of the crash,” Garapati wrote on Facebook.

Fort Hood has not yet released the identities of the crew or additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.