(CNN) Two AH-64 Apache helicopters returning from a military training flight collided Thursday near Healy, Alaska, killing three soldiers and injuring another, U.S. military officials said.
Two soldiers died on the spot while the third died on the way to hospital A publication From the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division.
The names of the deceased will be withheld until 24 hours after their families are notified, the statement said.
The crash occurred about 100 miles south of Fort Wainwright, where the helicopters were stationed. are based on As part of the 1st Assault Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment.
“This is an incredible loss for the families of these Soldiers, their fellow Soldiers and the unit,” Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, 11th Airborne Division commander, said in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to their families, friends and loved ones, and we are committing the full resources of the military to support them.”
U.S. Army officials said Friday that the survivor was in stable condition at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
The deadly conflict comes within a month Nine players Two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters have been killed in a crash near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during a nighttime training mission, the military said. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
“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 come together and offer comfort to the families of our fallen during this exceptional time,” added Eifler. .
Fort Wainwright’s Emergency Assistance Center is there to “provide support to families, friends and fellow Soldiers of those involved in the accident,” the release said.
The Army Combat Readiness Committee will conduct an inquiry into the accident, the press release said.
On Friday evening, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville ordered a halt to the security posture, the Army said in a statement.
“The move is due to all military pilots, except those participating in critical missions, until they complete the required training,” the military said.
Army pilots will “focus on safety and training protocols to ensure our pilots and crew have the knowledge, training and awareness to safely complete their assigned missions,” the statement said.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy He took to Twitter Earlier Friday to send “thoughts and prayers” to the soldiers involved in the incident.
My heart breaks for the families of the 3 soldiers who lost their lives. We pray for the injured soldier’s recovery and safe return home, he wrote.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the location of the accident. It was near Healy, Alaska.
