By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
Three Dead, One Injured in UH-72 Lakota Helicopter Crash
Rio Grande City, Texas – March 9, 2024
In a devastating incident, a US National Guard helicopter assigned to patrol duties along the US-Mexico border crashed in Texas on Friday, claiming the lives of two soldiers and a US Border Patrol agent. Another soldier sustained injuries in the crash, according to military officials.
The UH-72 Lakota helicopter went down near Rio Grande City at approximately 2:50 pm (2050 GMT) while engaged in aerial “monitoring and detection” operations at the border, reported US Army Major Ryan Wierzbicki. The incident has sparked an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash, with no initial information available regarding weather conditions at the time.
The identities of the deceased and the injured soldier are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the military and border patrol community, as colleagues and families await more information.
The ill-fated aircraft was assigned to a federal Southwest border support mission with Joint Task Force North, operating out of the army outpost at Fort Bliss, Texas, Major Wierzbicki stated. However, he clarified that the helicopter was not part of Operation Lone Star, a state-directed border enforcement program launched in 2021 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, utilizing Texas National Guard troops and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The crash raises concerns about the safety and challenges faced by military personnel and law enforcement officers involved in border patrol operations. The investigation into the incident is expected to shed light on the circumstances leading to the tragedy, providing crucial information for future safety measures.
As the nation mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with protecting the border and maintaining national security. The thoughts and condolences of the nation go out to the families and colleagues affected by this heartbreaking event.