Two people have died after a US Army Apache helicopter crashed in central Texas, leaving a large fire at the scene.
The AH-64 Apache went down in fields south of Salado at about 13:33 local time, prompting police and emergency crews to rush to the area.
When they arrived, they found the wreckage engulfed in flames.
The flames were “getting out of control very quickly”, according to Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman.
Both crew members were pronounced dead at the scene.
The helicopter was based at nearby Fort Hood, one of the US Army’s major installations.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or details about what caused the crash.
What Went Wrong?
That remains the key unanswered question.
The Army said an investigation is under way, while emergency teams continue securing the crash site and supporting the response.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig Gen Ethan Diven, acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division.
The Apache is a two-seat, twin-engine attack helicopter designed for missions ranging from armed reconnaissance to close combat.
One service member operates from the rear cockpit as pilot, while the co-pilot gunner sits in front.
For now, investigators face the difficult task of piecing together what happened before the aircraft came down.
