Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Two US Army Soldiers Killed in Texas Apache Helicopter Crash
Two soldiers in the U.S. Army died when their Apache helicopter crashed in Texas.
An Apache is a big Army attack helicopter, and this one came from a military base called Fort Hood.
The crash happened on a Wednesday near a small town called Salado.
That area is in Bell County, about 60 miles north of the city of Austin.
When the helicopter hit the ground, it started a large grass fire.
Firefighters from several local fire departments worked to put the fire out.
Luckily, the helicopter did not hit any houses or other buildings.
The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, sent his prayers to the soldiers' families.
Officials are still trying to figure out why the crash happened.
The Army is keeping the soldiers' names private until their families have been told first.
Two U.S. Army soldiers were killed after an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed into a field near Salado, Texas, on Wednesday.
The crash occurred at about 1:35 pm local time in Bell County, roughly 100 km (60 miles) north of Austin, and the Bell County justice of the peace declared both soldiers dead.
The impact sparked a large grass fire that spread across roughly 100 acres; several local fire departments responded, and no homes, structures, or other people were hit.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the deaths in a post on X, offering prayers, while Brigadier General Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, expressed condolences.
The cause of the crash has not been announced; Fort Hood's criminal investigation division is leading the investigation, and the soldiers' names are withheld pending notification of next of kin.
- Who
- Two U.S. Army soldiers aboard an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter attached to Fort Hood.
- What
- The Apache helicopter crashed into a field near Salado, killing both soldiers and sparking a large grass fire covering roughly 100 acres.
- When
- Wednesday, at about 1:35 pm local time; the Reuters report is dated Aug 12.
- Where
- Near Salado, Bell County, Texas, about 100 km (60 miles) north of Austin.
- Why
- Not reported; officials have not announced a cause, though a military official told the Associated Press the Apache was on a routine training flight.
- Casualties
- 2 US Army soldiers killed
- Aircraft
- AH-64E Apache attack helicopter
- Location
- Near Salado, Bell County, Texas
- Home Base
- Fort Hood (214,968 acres)
- Distance from Austin
- About 100 km (60 miles) north
- Crash Time
- About 1:35 pm local time, Wednesday
- Fire
- Large grass fire spanning about 100 acres; no structures hit
- Investigation
- Led by Fort Hood's criminal investigation division; cause not yet announced
