3 soldiers killed, 1 injured aboard AH-64 Apache helicopters that crashed near Healy, Alaska

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The United States Army reports that three soldiers were killed and one more was injured when two AH-64 Apache helicopters based at Fort Wainwright crashed near Healy, Alaska on Thursday.

Army officials say that the two helicopters from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment were returning from a training flight when a collision occurred.

First responders were at the scene. A spokesperson for the U.S. Army Alaska said two service members were aboard each helicopter.

“Two soldiers were declared dead at the scene of the crash and a third died en route to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The fourth soldier is being treated at Fairbanks Memorial for injuries sustained in the crash,” a press release from the Army said.

Major Gen Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, expressed his sympathies to the families of the soldiers as well as their brothers and sisters in arms.

“This is an incredible loss for these soldiers’ families, their fellow soldiers, and for the 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 said.

Eifler continued, “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.”

Resources at Fort Wainwright’s Emergency Assistance Center have been activated to provide support for families, friends and fellow soldiers of those involved in the crash. Families of unit members and anyone that feels they need support can call the Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) at 907-353-4452 or go there in person. The Army Community Service Welcome Center is located at 3401 Santiago Ave.

The names of the deceased will be withheld until next of kin notifications are completed.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by a team from the Army Combat Readiness Center. This is a developing story.

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