Two soldiers were killed Wednesday after an Army AH-64 Apache attack Helicopter crashed into a field near Salado, Texas, authorities said.
According to the New York Post, the crash happened roughly 50 miles north of Austin and about 30 minutes from Fort Hood. The impact sparked a large grass fire that spread across the dry field.
Bell County authorities said they received reports of the crash at about 1:30 p.m. The Helicopter had two people aboard, and both were killed.
"It was a violent crash," Bell County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Cliff Coleman told KWTX.
The Helicopter was identified as an AH-64 Apache, a two-person attack aircraft operated by the U.S. Army. Fort Hood officials confirmed the aircraft involved in the crash and said military personnel were working with local emergency responders at the scene.
The crash also created a serious fire emergency in the surrounding area. The Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1 said several nearby homes were evacuated as firefighters worked to contain the flames.
FM 2843 was closed after the fire made the roadway "impassable" to vehicles. The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that the blaze had burned about 100 acres and was 45% contained by Wednesday evening.
Fort Hood officials said securing the crash site and supporting emergency crews were immediate priorities as investigators began working to determine what happened.
"Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts," Brig. Gen. Ethan Diven, acting commanding general, said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information," Diven added.
The identities of the two soldiers had not been publicly released as of Wednesday afternoon. Officials have not announced what caused the Helicopter to crash.
Fort Hood is leading the military's investigation into the incident. Local emergency crews, law enforcement officers and military responders remained involved in the response as officials worked to secure the area and address the wildfire.
Authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation continues.