Two people were killed when an Apache helicopter crashed south of Salado, Texas, sparking a wildfire and prompting evacuations, according to authorities.
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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A firefighting helicopter responds to a wildfire sparked by a deadly military helicopter crash near Salado, Texas. (KDTX)
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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A firefighting helicopter responds near the scene of a deadly Apache military helicopter crash south of Salado, Texas. (KDTX)
"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.
