Two people have died after a military helicopter crashed in central Texas, officials have confirmed.
The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene after police responded to an emergency call at around 13:33 local time (18:33 GMT) about wreckage in fields south of the village of Salado.
The aircraft was an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at nearby Fort Hood, a major US Army base.
Large fire reported at crash site
When officers arrived, they found the wreckage along with a large fire that was “getting out of control very quickly”, Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said.
The US Army said an investigation into the helicopter crash is ongoing and emergency response efforts are underway.
“Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,” said Brig Gen Ethan Diven, the acting commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division.
“Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.”
Two crew members aboard Apache
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter capable of conducting armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike and vertical manoeuvre missions, according to the US Army.
The helicopter carries two service members, with a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position.
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