Two US Army soldiers were killed when an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter crashed in a rural area of Central Texas, prompting a major mobilization of the military and local authorities.
The crash occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, near the town of Salado, in Bell County, about 60 miles north of Austin. The helicopter belonged to the Fort Hood military base and, according to initial official information, was performing a routine training flight.
The first alert reached emergency services at around 1:34 p.m. local time. Police, firefighters and military personnel immediately headed to the scene, where they saw the wreckage of the helicopter in a field and thick smoke covering the area.
Both crew members were killed. Authorities did not immediately release their names, as their families had to be notified first, in accordance with U.S. military procedure.
The Apache's impact sparked a bushfire that spread quickly due to the drought and conditions in the area. Plumes of smoke were visible from a long distance, and authorities evacuated nearby homes as a precaution.
The firefighting operation involved multiple local fire departments, security forces, and military teams. Air support was also used to contain the fire and protect residential areas.
Despite the severity of the crash, the helicopter did not hit a house or other building. No injuries were reported among residents or people working in the area. Some roads near the scene were temporarily closed to facilitate access for rescue teams and to maintain a safe perimeter.
Brigadier General Ethan Diven, interim commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, said that the immediate priority of military authorities was to secure the site, support emergency services and provide all possible assistance to the families of the two soldiers.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims. He also thanked the firefighters, police officers and military personnel who responded to the emergency.
The area has been cordoned off and placed under military control, as even small pieces of debris can prove important to the investigation. Experts will examine the condition of mechanical parts, control systems and any available evidence from the flight path.
There has been no indication yet as to what caused the crash, with authorities avoiding making assumptions before an initial examination of the wreckage and flight data is complete.
The AH-64 Apache is one of the most important attack helicopters of the US military. It has two engines and a two-seat cockpit, in which the pilot and the second officer of the crew sit one behind the other. It is used both in military operations and in demanding training missions.
The AH-64E is the newest operational variant of the Apache and features modern avionics, sensors and communications capabilities. Despite the aircraft's advanced technology, military training remains a high-risk activity.
Fort Hood is one of the largest military installations in the United States. It is located in Central Texas and is home to major US Army units, including the 1st Cavalry Division.
Local residents are accustomed to military helicopter training flights, but the sound of sirens, the large fire and the news that two soldiers had not returned to base caused deep sadness in the local community.
The investigation is ongoing and is expected to examine all possible factors, from a possible mechanical problem and the conditions of the flight to the actions of the crew. Only after its completion will the authorities be able to provide reliable answers about the causes of the tragedy.
Behind the military jargon and technical investigation lie two human lives and two families waiting for answers. For Fort Hood and the US military, August 12th turned into a day of mourning.
Reliable sources
Reuters – Two US Army soldiers killed in Texas helicopter crash
Associated Press – Two people died in a military helicopter crash near Fort Hood
ABC News – Two soldiers dead after Apache helicopter crashes in Texas
CBS News – Two soldiers killed as Apache helicopter crashes near Fort Hood
NBC 5 Dallas–Fort Worth – Fort Hood Apache crash kills two
Videos from YouTube
ABC News – Two soldiers killed in military helicopter crash
Apache helicopter crash leaves two soldiers dead in Texas
Local report from Salado – KVUE
ABC World News Tonight – Full report with report
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