2 US soldiers killed in US Army helicopter crash in Texas

August 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Status-6 (War & Military News) X Post

Two US soldiers were killed after a US Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed in Salado, Texas.

The incident took place Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 12, US time.

The helicopter that crashed was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood.

According to Cliff Coleman, a spokesperson for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, the office received a 911 call regarding the incident shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time. The Bell County justice of the peace declared dead the two soldiers who had been on board.

The crash sparked a large grass fire, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no buildings or structures were affected by the incident.

The bodies of the two soldiers were taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, while their names are being withheld until the military has notified their families, according to an official statement from the US Army.

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

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also offered condolences through a social media post. “Today, an Apache helicopter crashed in Bell County during Fort Hood operations, killing two members of our military,” Abbott said.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Two people are dead after a U.S. Army Apache helicopter crashed near Salado, Texas.