Two US Army helicopters crashed on Thursday while conducting training over Alaska, leaving three troops dead and one injured.
According to ABC News, Two AH-64 Apache helicopters were returning from a training operation when they crashed near Healy, according to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
The base reported that two of the service members were pronounced dead at the spot and a third died en route to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The hospital is currently caring for the wounded fourth soldier.
The helicopters came from Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, namely the 25th Aviation Regiment of the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion.
“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 a statement. “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 Fort Wainwright community is one of the tightest military communities I’ve seen in my 32 years of service,” Eifler added. “I have no doubt they will pull together during this exceptional time of need and provide comfort to our families of our fallen.”