Two U.S. Soldiers Die After Apache Helicopter Crashes in Texas

Two American soldiers died Wednesday when a U.S. Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field near Salado, Texas. The aircraft, based at Fort Hood, was reportedly in the air around 1:30 p.m. local time when it went down.

Following the crash, the helicopter caught fire, igniting a brush fire that spread across the area. Local firefighters and emergency response teams, along with personnel from Fort Hood, responded to the scene. The U.S. Army confirmed the fatalities, but the soldiers' identities will not be released until at least 24 hours after their families have been notified.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and comrades of those involved during this extremely difficult time," said Brigadier General Ethan Diven, acting commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, according to ABC News. The Bell County Sheriff's Office reported no damage to buildings or other structures as a result of the crash.

The cause of the accident is currently unknown, and authorities are investigating the circumstances. This incident follows another fatal military aviation accident in June, when a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff in California, killing all eight crew members.

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Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and comrades of those involved during this extremely difficult time.