2 US Army helicopters crash, killing 3 soldiers

Three U.S soldiers were killed and another was injured when two US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters crashed Thursday as they were flying back from a military training flight near Haley, Alaska, US Army officials said.

Two of the soldiers died at the scene and the third died while being transported to a hospital, according to a release from the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division.

The names of the deceased are being withheld until 24 hours after their families have been notified, the release said.

The crash occurred about 100 miles south of Fort Wainwright, where the helicopters are based as part of the 1st Attack Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment.

“This is an incredible loss for these soldiers’ families, their fellow soldiers, and for the division,” Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, said in the release. “Our hearts and prayers go out to their families, friends and loved ones, and we are making the full resources of the Army available to support them.”

The injured soldier is being treated at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, according to the release. Details on the extent of their injuries were not provided.

“The Fort Wainwright community is one of the tightest military communities I’ve seen in my 32 years of service. I have no doubt they will pull together during this exceptional time of need and provide comfort to our families of our fallen,” Eifler added.

Fort Wainwright’s Emergency Assistance Center is available to “provide support for families, friends and fellow soldiers of those involved in the crash,” the release said.

The crash will be investigated by an Army Combat Readiness Center team, the release said.