BELL COUNTY, Texas (Talk1370.com) -- Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a Apache helicopter from nearby Fort Hood crashed in Bell County, authorities said.
The crash sparked a large, uncontrolled grass fire burning south of Salado, officials said.
First responders arrived at the crash site, located about a mile west of Interstate 35, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general. Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Fort Hood officials said it was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter that was involved in the crash.
A local justice of the peace pronounced the two individuals onboard dead at the scene, according to Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman.
The impact of the crash ignited a significant brush fire that was still uncontained as of 3 p.m. Firefighters from the Salado, Jarrell, Eastside, and Westside departments responded to the blaze, which had blocked FM 2843 and prompted authorities to urge drivers to avoid the surrounding area.
Fort Hood’s Army Criminal Investigation Division is leading the ongoing response to the crash, with assistance from Bell County authorities and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
