At least 2 dead and 4 hurt in National Guard helicopter crash in Texas just 2 weeks after Apache tragedy killed two

AT least two people have reportedly died after a National Guard helicopter crashed near the border in Texas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that a National Guard helicopter crashed near Rio Grande City in the afternoon on March 8.

Two people have died and four are injured following a devastating National Guard helicopter crash near Rio Grande City in Texas (stock photo)Credit: AFP

DPS South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon told press that at least four other people were critically injured in the crash reported local NBC news affiliate KXAN.

The outlet further reported multiple sources confirming that at least two people have died in the crash.

Escalon clarified that the helicopter was “a military helicopter on federal orders working with Border Patrol,” but was not directly involved in the state's Operation Lone Star border enforcement plan.

When the incident was initially reported, Starr County Sheriff's Office announced that it was, "currently assisting with a downed helicopter incident on the East side of the county, involving possibly four occupants."

Texas Department of Public Safety later confirmed that it was working with multiple federal agencies to investigate the crash.

A government official revealed that the vehicle that crashed was a UH-72 Lakota model helicopter, reported CBS.

Former Texas Republican congresswoman Mayra Flores Vallejo spoke out on X to call for prayers for the dead and injured.

"I am asking for a prayer request and support for Border Patrol and CBP Air and Marine Operations. A tragic helicopter crash just happened near La Grulla, Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with you," she wrote.

These tragic deaths come after two National Guardsmen were killed in a helicopter crash during training exercises two weeks earlier.

In late February, an Apache AH-64 helicopter crashed in Mississippi, going down in a forested area near Boonville, according to a statement by the National Guard on Facebook.

"The military aircraft was an AH-64 Apache, flying a routine training flight," the post read.

"One Soldier was in A Company 1-149 Aviation Regiment Unit and the second Soldier was in D Company 2-151 Lakota Medical Evacuation Unit, Mississippi National Guard," an update to the statement later revealed.

The two dead servicemen were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek, 36, was in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott, 42, was in Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 151st Lakota Medical Evacuation unit.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also announced the outcome of the crash in a statement on X.

"Tragically, both Guardsmen on board did not survive. Safety crews are currently working the scene of the crash with local authorities," he said in the post.

"Mississippi will always be grateful for their service and we will never forget them," he added.

Following the incident, the National Guard grounded all helicopters for safety.

"We are a combat force with helicopters training or on mission worldwide every day," Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, director of the Army National Guard, said in a statement.

"Safety is always at the top of our minds. We will stand down to ensure our crews are prepared as well as possible for whatever they're asked to do."

Helicopters were ungrounded on a case-by-case basis, as personnel completed mandatory safety training.

“Units and crews will be allowed to resume flying once they’ve completed the directed review of safety policies and procedures,” said Capt. Jamie Mason, an Army National Guard spokesman.

According to the spokesperson, this system was implemented to “we are providing leaders with enough flexibility,” given the spread out nature of the units across the nation.

The US National Guard has yet to respond to request for comment by the U.S. Sun.