(NationRise.com) – Two US soldiers died after an Army transport vehicle crashed outside Salcha, a census-designated region of Alaska, on October 2. The accident also left 12 other soldiers severely injured. However, reports revealed they are currently in stable condition.
According to a news release from the US Army Alaska, 17 American soldiers were in the tactical vehicle during the accident. They were riding in what was described as a “light medium tactical vehicle” typically used to transport military personnel. The news release pointed out that a few minutes after the vehicle took off, a single-unit accident occurred on a dirt road while traveling to the Yukon Training Area in the Alaskan Middle Tanana Valley.
During an interview with local outlet KTUU, Army spokesman John Pennell explained that the accident took place during a training exercise the soldiers were part of. He also revealed that each of the soldiers involved in the fatal crash are members of the 11th US Airborne Division. When asked about details about the accident, Pennell explained that the driver lost control of the vehicle at one point, which made it flip.
According to different reports, first responders arrived at the crash site a couple of minutes after the accident and provided urgent medical treatment to the victims. They were eventually transported to the Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks.
Of the 12 injured soldiers, two suffered life-threatening injuries and had to be flown to the Anchorage Providence Medical Center. The Eielson Air Force Base, the North Pole Fire Department, and the Alaska State Troopers supported the first response efforts.
In a statement, Pennell said that losing a soldier is the most tragic event not only for the soldiers but also for the victims’ friends and families. He added that the 11th Airborne Division is grieving the loss of the two men who died in Salcha.
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