Two people have died in a military helicopter crash in central Texas, officials have confirmed.<\/p>\n
The two were pronounced dead at the scene after police responded to an emergency call at around 13:33 local time (18:33 GMT) about the wreckage in fields south of the village of Salado.<\/p>\n
The aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at nearby Fort Hood, a major US Army base, the military said.<\/p>\n
When officers arrived, they discovered the crash as well as a large fire that was "getting out of control very quickly", Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said.<\/p>\n
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and emergency response efforts are underway, the US Army said.<\/p>\n
"Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," said Brig Gen Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division.<\/p>\n
"Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information."<\/p>\n
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter capable of conducting armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike, and vertical maneuver missions, according to the US Army.<\/p>\n
It seats two service members – a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position, the Army says.<\/p>\n