A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down Wednesday afternoon near Salado, leaving two crew members dead, the Bell County Sheriff's Office said in statements to numerous outlets. The aircraft was assigned to Fort Hood, according to a press release from the Fort Hood Media Center.
A spokesperson for the sheriff's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NTD News.
The wreckage came down along Interstate 35 roughly 51 miles north of Austin. The crash was reported at approximately 2 p.m. and ignited a small grass fire, according to CBS affiliate KWTX.
Salado Fire and Bell County ESD 1 responded to the resulting blaze on FM 2843 and warned residents the roadway was impassable, urging drivers to seek alternate routes and avoid emergency vehicles, according to a Facebook post from Salado Fire-Bell County ESD 1.
Military and law enforcement personnel joined local emergency crews at the scene. "Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division. "Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information."
Fort Hood said the situation remains under investigation and that additional details will be released as they become available through the Fort Hood Media Center.