Three soldiers were killed and one was injured when two AH-64 Apache helicopters crashed near Healy, Alaska, on Thursday, according to Army officials.
The soldiers were from the 1st Attack Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment at Fort Wainwright, and they were returning from a training mission when the collision occurred.
“The helicopters were returning from a training mission when they collided in flight,” the Army said in a statement.
Two soldiers died at the crash site, while the third died on the way to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The injured soldier is receiving treatment at the same hospital.
The names of the soldiers who died in the helicopter crash will not be disclosed until their family members have been informed.
Fort Wainwright’s Emergency Assistance Center has been activated to offer support to the affected soldiers’ families, friends, and fellow soldiers.
“This is an incredible loss for these soldiers’ families, their fellow soldiers, and for the division,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division. “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.”
Eifler also praised the Fort Wainwright community for its strong sense of unity and expressed confidence that they would provide comfort and support to the families of the fallen soldiers.
“I have no doubt they will pull together during this exceptional time of need and provide comfort to our families of our fallen,” he said.
The Army is investigating the cause of the helicopter crash and will provide more information as it becomes available.
This is the third military helicopter incident in the last three months.
In February, an Apache helicopter rolled after takeoff from Talkeetna, Alaska, injuring two soldiers. The aircraft was one of four traveling to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage from Fort Wainwright. The pilot and co-pilot were taken to receive medical attention and were later discharged.
The helicopter was traveling with three others from the 25th Attack Battalion stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as part of a training exercise. While en route to Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson, the helicopters stopped at Talkeetna for refueling. The “rollover” happened as the helicopter was taking off.
