Military Helicopter Crash Ignites Wildfire In Texas

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two US Army pilots were killed after an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field in central Texas and burst into flames, triggering a large wildfire and prompting evacuations in the surrounding area.

The helicopter, which was based at the Fort Hood military installation, went down near Salado at approximately 1:35 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to the US Army and the Bell County Sheriff's Office. Both crew members aboard the aircraft were confirmed dead.

Describing the aftermath, Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said the severity of the impact was immediately evident.

"It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash," he told reporters.

The crash ignited a rapidly spreading grass fire that consumed approximately 100 acres of land. Firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, which authorities said was about 45% contained by 5:00 p.m. local time.

As emergency crews battled the flames, local authorities ordered evacuations in nearby areas as a precautionary measure.

Images and video from the scene showed burning wreckage scattered across blackened ground, while firefighters worked to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading further.

Authorities confirmed that no one on the ground was injured and that the helicopter did not collide with any homes, buildings or other structures.

The AH-64 Apache is one of the US Army's most advanced combat helicopters. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 rockets and 1,200 rounds of ammunition for its 30mm cannon. The latest AH-64E variant remains a key component of the Army's aviation fleet and is expected to remain in service for decades.

Officials have not yet disclosed where the helicopter was coming from or its intended destination at the time of the crash.

Source: RT