US Army Apache helicopter crashes in Texas, killing 2 soldiers and sparking wildfire

Two U.S. Army soldiers died Wednesday after an AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near Salado, Texas, authorities said. The aircraft went down in a field, away from homes and other structures. Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Bill Coleman said two people were aboard the helicopter. Emergency crews found both victims at the crash site and pronounced them dead around 2:30 p.m. local time. The crash also ignited a large grass fire, adding another emergency to the response. Firefighters battled the flames as authorities closed roads and evacuated some nearby residents. Apache crash triggers fire The helicopter belonged to Fort Hood, which sits near Killeen, about 70 miles north of Austin. Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, the installation’s acting commanding general, confirmed the aircraft’s connection to the base. “Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” Diven said. 🚨 NOW: TERRIFYING sight as a US military helicopter just crashed, killing 2 people in Salado TXPray for the families 🙏🏻🙏🏻A fire immediately erupted after the crash, causing residents to be evacuated pic.twitter.com/lJzytSOPsh— POOL NEWS 🗞️ (@PoolNewsDaily) August 12, 2026 He also offered condolences to the crew members’ families as investigators began examining the crash. Authorities have not identified the soldiers. The Army said it will release their names after notifying their families. Investigators also have not determined what caused the Apache to crash. The wreckage will likely provide critical evidence as officials work to reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments. The AH-64 Apache serves as the Army’s primary attack helicopter. Its design combines heavy weapons, advanced sensors and a two-person crew. For investigators, the wreckage could reveal whether the incident involved a mechanical failure, flight-control problem or another factor. Officials have not pointed to any specific cause. Emergency crews battle flames The crash created a second challenge for emergency crews when the aircraft sparked a wildfire. Coleman said the fire remained out of control around 4 p.m. ET. Flames spread through grass near the crash site, prompting evacuations in parts of the surrounding area. Fire crews also faced road restrictions while working to contain the blaze. Two American Pilots Killed in Apache Helicopter Crash in TexasTwo American pilots were killed Wednesday afternoon after a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashed in a field near Salado, Texas. The aircraft went down violently, sparking a large grass fire that… pic.twitter.com/uDPwNzIT0X— mahmoud khalil (@sahel2212) August 12, 2026 Salado Fire and Bell County ESD No. 1 described the incident as a major grass fire along Farm to Market Road 2843. The department warned drivers to stay away from the affected stretch. FM 2843 was closed near the crash site as emergency personnel worked in the area. Officials urged motorists to use alternate routes and avoid moving around emergency vehicles. Army secures crash site The Army now faces the task of securing the wreckage and supporting the investigation. Crash sites involving military aircraft can contain evidence about the aircraft’s condition before impact. Authorities also must preserve the area while allowing fire crews and investigators to operate safely. The response could continue as officials document the wreckage and determine what happened. At the time of writing, Fort Hood described the incident as an ongoing situation and said it would provide additional information when available.For now, the investigation remains focused on the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two soldiers. The Army will release further details after officials notify their families.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Aamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.