Army Apache Helicopter Crashes In Texas, 2 Soldiers Reported Dead

BREAKING: A U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed near Salado, Texas, sparking a large fire. Two service members were killed in the crash. pic.twitter.com/VOPAcQ0WW7

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 12, 2026

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Two soldiers are dead after a military helicopter crashed in Salado, Texas, on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Army.

The chopper, which crashed in a field near Fort Hood in Texas, was an AH-64 U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter, according to the Army.

The two-seater aircraft was based at Fort Hood, the Army said.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and fellow Troopers of those involved during this incredibly difficult time,” Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, 1st Cavalry Division acting commanding general, said in a statement.

The names of the soldiers are being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, the Army said.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office said it received a 911 call regarding a helicopter crash after 1:30 p.m. local time. The crash sparked a grass fire, authorities said.

No buildings or structures were damaged, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to ABC News.

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An U.S. Army AH-64 "Apache" attack helicopter from Fort Hood crashed near Salado, Texas, at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time today, killing both soldiers aboard.

Fort Hood confirmed the aircraft was assigned to the installation, while the acting commander of the 1st Cavalry… pic.twitter.com/apHj3uK2QA

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 13, 2026

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A U.S. Army Apache attack helicopter crashed in a field near Fort Hood, Texas, killing both the pilot and co-pilot. Compared to other Army helicopters like the Blackhawk, the Apache has had a higher accident rate. @MarthaRaddatz has the latest. https://t.co/2KlgcH5gt9 pic.twitter.com/oejFYZ0Q33

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) August 13, 2026

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The crash sparked a “major grass fire” that forced several homes in the area to be evacuated and roads to be closed, according to the Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1.

The FM 2843 highway was “impassable” to vehicles due to the blaze.

The Texas A&M Fire Service listed the active fire as burning 100 acres and was 45% contained as of Wednesday evening.

Local emergency services, military responders and law enforcement were actively responding to the scene, Fort Hood officials confirmed in a statement to The Post.

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