Five U.S. soldiers were killed and four others were still missing at Fort Hood, Texas, after a military vehicle overturned in flood waters Thursday.
Fort Hood officials issued a statement shortly after 5 p.m. local time Thursday that an Army truck was knocked over while attempting to pass through an area with low flooding at Owl Creek Tactical crossing and East Range Road.
By Thursday, the three soldiers confirmed dead were found downstream from the vehicle. The Army will release their names 24 hours after their families have been informed. Another three people were rescued and are in stable condition.
Friday morning, Major General John Uberti, deputy commanding general for operations at Ft. Hood, gave an update saying two more soldiers had been found dead, and four were still missing.
The 12 soldiers were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
Local and state first responders were deployed to locate and rescue any survivors. Aircraft, canine search teams, heavy-ground equipment, swift water rescue watercraft and search personnel were used, WFAA reported.
Fort Hood had warned residents to be cautious when traveling around the base, according to a Thursday post on Facebook:
“Fort Hood officials have closed Georgetown and East Range roads due to high water crossing the road. Hazardous conditions are expected to rise as rain continues throughout the day. All traffic has been diverted to Farm and Market Road 116. Fort Hood residents should stay out of areas subject to flooding. Dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc., can become filled with water quickly. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Do not attempt to cross flowing water with your vehicle. Turn around … Don’t drown.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday declared a state of disaster in 31 counties because of the recent widespread flooding in the state.
