According to the US military, a helicopter has crashed near the Texas border between the US and Mexico, resulting in the death of two national guard soldiers and one border patrol agent.
A second soldier on the ship sustained injuries.
The UH-72 Lakota helicopter was participating in a border security task for the federal government when it crashed near Rio Grande City on Friday, according to the joint taskforce north. The incident is currently being investigated.
The helicopter was conducting aviation operations when the crash occurred in the middle of the afternoon, as stated by the taskforce’s statement.
According to Eloy Vera, the county’s judge, the group consisted of one female and three males. It was reported that one of them was severely hurt and in critical condition.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been made public.
A spokesperson from US Border Patrol did not quickly respond to inquiries requesting a statement.
The sheriff’s office in Starr County shared on their Facebook page that they were supporting a situation involving a helicopter crash on the eastern part of the county.
According to Vera, the sheriff’s office has secured the scene and federal officials are en route.
The area along the border is frequently monitored by state and national officials, who conduct regular air surveillance.
In January, authorities stated that a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter, while conducting border patrols with Mexico, experienced a loss of power and subsequently crashed. The co-pilot sustained a minor hand injury and the helicopter incurred significant damage.
The helicopter was involved in Operation Lone Star, a border mission initiated by Texas governor Greg Abbott that has challenged the federal government’s power in regards to immigration.
Source: theguardian.com
