Three soldiers die when a military helicopter crashes in Alaska

() — Three soldiers were killed and one injured when two AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 1st Attack Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment from Fort Wainwright, crashed Thursday near Healy, Alaska. The helicopters were returning from a training mission when they collided in mid-air.

Two soldiers were pronounced dead at the crash site and a third died en route to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The fourth soldier is being treated at the Fairbanks Memorial for injuries sustained in the crash.

The names of the deceased will be kept secret until 24 hours have passed since their next of kin are notified.

The Fort Wainwright Emergency Assistance Center (907-353-4452) was activated to provide support to the families, friends and fellow soldiers of those involved in the accident.

Any community member who feels they need support can also go directly to the Army Community Service at Building 3401, Santiago Road. ACS will also contact the Red Cross if necessary.

“This is an incredible loss to the families of these soldiers, to their comrades and to 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 all the resources of the Army available to support them.”

“The Fort Wainwright community is one of the closest military communities I have seen in my 32 years of service. I have no doubt that they will come together during this exceptional time of need and provide comfort to the families of our fallen,” he said. eifler.

The accident will be investigated by a team at the Army Combat Readiness Center at Fort Novosel, Alabama, and more information about the incident will be released as it becomes available.