Two Pilots Dead After ‘Violent’ Apache Helicopter Crash Outside Fort Hood

An investigation remains ongoing after authorities reported a deadly helicopter crash on Wednesday afternoon.

An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed in Salado, Texas, according to the U.S. Army Fort Hood Media Center, resulting in the death of two pilots.

Fort Hood officials said that local emergency response services, along with military responders and law enforcement professionals, actively responded to the scene.

“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general 1st Cavalry Division, in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”

Sheriffs from Bell County, which contains Salado, told local ABC 7 News that they received a 911 call about the crash after 1:30 p.m. local time. Officials said the crash sparked a grass fire that was “out of control” by the time deputies arrived on scene.

No buildings or structures were damaged. It remains unclear what led to the helicopter going down, and whether the fire has been extinguished.

Cliff Coleman, a spokesman for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, told CNN that the crash occurred around 1:35 p.m. local time. He confirmed that the two pilots aboard the aircraft were killed.

“It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,” Coleman said.

The AH-64 Apache is an attack helicopter that has seats for two crew members: one pilot in the rear of the aircraft, and a co-pilot and gunner in the front, according to the U.S. Army.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information when available.