Two people were killed Wednesday when a Fort Hood AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed into a field south of Salado, Texas, authorities said. The crash ignited a major grass fire that remained uncontrolled as emergency crews responded and some residents were evacuated. Roads near the site were closed, while military, fire and law enforcement personnel secured the area. The identities of those aboard and the cause of the crash had not been released.
The helicopter went down at about 1:34 p.m. near Dove Hollow Lane, approximately 30 minutes from Fort Hood. Bell County authorities said no other injuries were reported, and Fort Hood confirmed that the aircraft was an AH-64 Apache based at the installation.
| 1) | Crash kills two Apache helicopter crew members |
| 2) | Emergency response begins near Salado |
| 3) | Wildfire prompts evacuations and road closures |
| 4) | Military leads the crash investigation |
| 5) | Officials withhold identities as inquiry continues |
Crash kills two Apache helicopter crew members
The AH-64 Apache crashed into a field south of Salado on Wednesday, Aug. 12, killing both people aboard. Cliff Coleman, a spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, said the crash was violent and that no one else was injured. The aircraft was initially believed to be associated with Fort Hood before the installation confirmed its identity and base.
Authorities did not release the names of the two people killed. Officials also did not provide details about the mission, the flight crew or what occurred before the aircraft went down. The incident remained active and developing as responders worked at the crash site.
Emergency response begins near Salado
Authorities received the crash call at approximately 1:34 p.m. The wreckage was located in a field near Dove Hollow Lane, south of Salado and roughly 30 minutes from Fort Hood. Local emergency services, military responders and law enforcement agencies moved to the area to manage the scene, protect the public and support firefighting operations.
Fort Hood said its immediate priorities were securing the site and supporting the initial response. Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, the installation’s acting commanding general, said responders were focused on the crew, their families and the early stages of the investigation.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts. Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Wildfire prompts evacuations and road closures
The crash sparked a large grass fire in the surrounding area. At about 4 p.m. Eastern time, Coleman said the fire was still uncontrolled and that some residents had been evacuated because of the flames. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze while emergency personnel dealt with the aircraft wreckage and nearby hazards.
Farm to Market Road 2843 was closed near the crash site. Salado Fire and Bell County Emergency Services District No. 1 described the incident as a major grass fire and said the affected section of roadway was impassable. Officials urged drivers to use alternate routes, avoid emergency vehicles and not attempt to travel through or around the response area.
Military leads the crash investigation
Fort Hood is leading the investigation into why the Apache crashed, according to Coleman. No cause had been announced, and officials had not said whether weather, mechanical problems, training activity or another factor played a role. Investigators were expected to secure the site, document the wreckage and establish the circumstances of the flight.
Fort Hood characterized the incident as ongoing and said additional information would be released as it became available. The military response was proceeding alongside local firefighting, evacuation and traffic-control efforts.
Officials withhold identities as inquiry continues
The names of the two deceased crew members had not been made public. Officials generally withhold identities until relatives have been notified, although no specific timeline for a release was provided in the initial statements. The absence of further information left the circumstances of the crash unresolved.
Abhiram Garapati, a Republican congressional candidate in Texas, expressed support for those aboard, first responders and residents affected by the fire. His comments came as emergency operations continued and authorities urged the public to stay away from the scene.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two people died in the AH-64 Apache crash. |
| 2 | The crash occurred south of Salado near Dove Hollow Lane. |
| 3 | A wildfire led to evacuations and the closure of FM 2843. |
| 4 | Fort Hood is directing the crash investigation. |
Summary
The deadly Apache crash near Salado triggered a coordinated military and local emergency response, alongside a wildfire that affected nearby residents and transportation. Authorities confirmed two fatalities but had not released the crew members’ identities or a cause. The investigation and firefighting operation remained underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed?
Two people aboard the Apache helicopter were killed. No additional injuries were reported.
Where did the helicopter crash?
The helicopter crashed in a field south of Salado, Texas, near Dove Hollow Lane and about 30 minutes from Fort Hood.
What happened after the crash?
The crash ignited a major grass fire, prompting evacuations, road closures and a response involving firefighters, military personnel and law enforcement.
What is known about the investigation?
Fort Hood is leading the investigation. Officials had not released the cause of the crash or the identities of the two people killed.
