3 US soldiers dead after Army helicopters collided in Alaska

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Three US soldiers were killed and one was injured when two US Army helicopters collided and crashed on Thursday near Healy, Alaska.

Two AH-64 Apache helicopters were returning from a training mission, according to a statement by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Two soldiers were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while another died en route to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, it said. The fourth soldier is being treated at the hospital for injuries.

“This is an incredible loss for these soldiers’ families, their fellow soldiers, and for the division,” Major-General Brian Eifler, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, said in a statement.

“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," he added.

The incident is under investigation.