Five soldiers were killed and four others remain missing after a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle overturned during flash flooding at a water crossing at Fort Hood, Texas, June 2.
Emergency personnel responded to a swift-water rescue call yesterday at 11:20 a.m. when an LMTV was stuck in an area near Cold Springs and Owl Creek off of Fort Hood’s East Range Road.
Three soldiers were rescued from the water near the vehicle and are in stable condition. They were transported from Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, Gatesville, Texas, to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.
The five deceased soldiers were recovered from the water downstream from the vehicle.
A search is ongoing for four soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
Multiple resources from the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Services, local and state agencies have been deployed to assist with the rescue and recovery of personnel and property. Emergency operations include aircraft, canine search teams, heavy-ground equipment, swift-water rescue watercraft and search personnel.
Names of the deceased will not be released until 24 hours after all next of kin have been notified, officials said.
The 1st Cavalry Division’s commander, Army Maj. Gen. John C. Thomson III, released a statement yesterday.
“The 1st Cavalry Division is grieving after a training accident at Fort Hood during flash flooding this morning,” Thomson said. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of several troopers and continue search operations. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time as we care for the families, loved ones, and fellow soldiers of those impacted by this tragedy. God Bless the First Team.”