Two people were killed Wednesday when a Fort Hood Apache helicopter crashed and sparked a wildfire in Central Texas.
Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said authorities received the call at approximately 1:34 p.m.
The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down in a field south of Salado, roughly 30 minutes from Fort Hood.
Coleman described the crash as violent and confirmed two people were killed.
No one else was injured in the incident.
Coleman identified the aircraft as an Apache helicopter and initially said it was believed to be from Fort Hood.
He 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.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Fort Hood called the crash an ongoing and developing situation.
Additional information would be released as it becomes available.
Local emergency services, military responders and law enforcement were actively responding to the scene.
The crash sparked a wildfire, prompting a large emergency response, road closures and evacuations.
Coleman said the fire remained uncontrolled as of 4 p.m. ET.
Some residents had been evacuated because of the flames.
KWTX reported that Farm to Market Road 2843 was shut down near the crash site.
Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1 said crews were battling a “major grass fire” along FM 2843.
“Please avoid the roadway and choose an alternate route,” the department said in a public safety alert.
“This will help keep traffic clear for responding fire and emergency personnel.”
The department also urged drivers not to attempt to travel through the area or around emergency vehicles.
Coleman said Fort Hood is leading the investigation into the crash.
The cause has not been released.
Abhiram Garapati, a Republican congressional candidate in Texas, offered prayers on Facebook.
“My prayers are with those aboard, the first responders responding to the scene, and any individuals affected by the fire that began as a result of the crash,” Garapati wrote on Facebook.
Fort Hood has not yet released the identities of the crew.
Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash remain undisclosed.
In the viral moment that preceded the emergency response, the Apache helicopter crashed violently into a field off Dove Hollow Lane. The impact killed both people on board instantly. No bystanders were hurt, but the wreckage ignited a fast-moving grass fire that threatened nearby homes and forced evacuations.
The blaze grew rapidly enough that Salado Fire officials declared FM 2843 impassable and pleaded with the public to stay away. Fire crews from multiple agencies joined military and law enforcement responders at the scene as the afternoon wore on.
Fort Hood said it would continue leading the investigation and releasing updates as the situation develops.