Two people were killed when a military helicopter crashed into a field in Central Texas on Wednesday, sparking a massive wildfire that forced nearby residents to be evacuated from their homes.

The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down at around 1.34pm in a field south of Salado, just about half an hour from the US Army base at Fort Hood, from where it originated.

Authorities then rushed to the scene, where they discovered the two pilots inside the helicopter had been killed, Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman said.

Nobody else was injured in the collision, Coleman said, noting that the helicopter did not strike any buildings or people on its way down.

‘It crashed into a field, and you could tell it was a violent crash,’ he said at a news conference.

The identities of the two people who were killed have not yet been released, as officials at Fort Hood note the situation is ongoing and developing.

‘Our immediate priority is securing the site and supporting the initial response efforts,’ said Brigadier General Ethan Diven, acting commanding general.

‘Our thoughts are with the crew and their families as we await further information.’ 

An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down in a field south of Salado, Texas on Wednesday afternoon

Emergency crews rushed to the scene of the crash at around 1.30pm

The crash also sparked a massive wildfire, prompting local officials to close down some roads and evacuate residents.  

‘This is a large fire that is out of control,’ Coleman warned.

Salado Fire/Bell County ESD #1 reported that crews were battling a ‘major grass fire’ as they warned the public that FM 2843 was impassable.

‘Please avoid this roadway and choose an alternate route,’ the department said in a public safety alert. ‘This will keep traffic clear for responding fire and emergency personnel.’ 

The department also urged drivers not to attempt to travel through the area or around emergency vehicles responding to the scene.

Texas A&M Forest Service was also responding to the scene, and told KWTX the blaze had spread to cover about 100 acres and was zero percent contained. 

Fort Hood is now leading the investigation into the crash.

Bell County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cliff Coleman described it as a ‘violent crash’

But as questions remain about what may have caused the collision, Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked for prayers for the families of the two crew members involved.

‘Join Cecilia and me in prayer for their families and the entire Fort Hood community,’ he posted on X, noting: ‘Texas is forever indebted to those who serve our state and nation.’ 

Abhiram Garapati, a Republican congressional candidate from Texas, also offered his prayers for the crew members involved in the crash and the first responders at the scene.

‘My prayers are with those aboard, the first responders responding to the scene and any individuals affected by the fire that began as a result of the crash,’ he posted to Facebook. 

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.