Tragic Helicopter Crash Near US-Mexico Border Claims Three Lives
A helicopter carrying three National Guard members and a Border Patrol agent crashed near the US-Mexico border in Texas on Friday, resulting in the death of three individuals, local officials confirmed.
The accident occurred near the town of La Grulla in Starr County, Texas. According to Eloy Vera, Starr County judge and the highest local official, a fourth person who was on board the helicopter is currently in critical condition.
The Joint Task Force North, responsible for security tasks of the military forces in the area, released a statement indicating that the UH-72 Lakota helicopter assigned to support the southwest border crashed during air operations near the city of Rio Grande, Texas. Tragically, two soldiers and a US Border Patrol agent lost their lives in the crash, while one soldier sustained injuries.
Authorities have refrained from disclosing the names of the deceased until their next of kin have been notified. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
Victor Escalon, South Texas regional director of the Department of Public Safety, clarified that the helicopter was not part of the Texas Operation Lone Star initiative to control the border with Mexico.
Local authorities, including the Starr County Sheriff’s Office, are providing assistance at the crash site.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and former Congresswoman Mayra Flores have both expressed their condolences and support for the Border Patrol and CBP Air Operations and Navy following this tragic accident.
With information from The Associated Press and Telemundo 40, the community mourns the loss of these brave individuals and awaits further details on the investigation into the helicopter crash near the US-Mexico border.