On Monday, a U.S. Army transport vehicle overturned outside Salcha, Alaska, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and the injuries of a dozen others.
17 soldiers were involved in a “single military vehicle accident” on a gravel road leading to the Yukon Training Area, according to a press release from the U.S. Army Alaska.
John Pennell, a spokesperson for the Army, informed KTUU that the 11th Airborne Division soldiers were participating in training exercises.
“At some point, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and it flipped,” Pennell explained.
The victims received initial medical care from first responders before being transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
Two of the most critically injured of the twelve injured were flown to Providence Medical Center in Anchorage.
Troopers from the State of Alaska, the North Pole Fire Department, and Eielson Air Force Base all assisted with the initial response.
Pennell stated, “We are all in mourning and doing what we can to support the families.” “Every time we lose a soldier, it is a tragedy for their family, their fellow soldiers, and their acquaintances. Essentially, the entire family of the 11th Airborne Division is mourning the loss of these two soldiers and preparing to move forward for their families.
The incident is still being investigated.
