Two Army soldiers were killed and a dozen others were injured after a transport vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle accident in Alaska on Monday.
The incident near Fairbanks involved a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle that slid and then flipped, according to a military spokesperson.
Two U.S. Army Soldiers Killed, a Dozen Injured in Single-Vehicle Accident in Alaska https://t.co/lkDwuFbTXQ
— Raven🐦⬛in Flight (@DrkRaven62) October 5, 2023
"First responders reportedly arrived at the scene and were able to give first aid to the injured soldiers, who were taken by vehicle or helicopter to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital," Breitbart News reported.
"Two severely injured soldiers were flown by air ambulance to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage," it continued.
The Light Medium Tactical Vehicle was transporting 17 soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division from Fort Wainwright to the Yukon Training Area near Salcha when it skidded and flipped. https://t.co/gk51gbqYuf
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) October 4, 2023
"Pennell said the identities of the soldiers killed in crash at about 11 a.m. Monday, local time, would not be released until 24 hours after relatives had been informed of their deaths. But he told The Associated Press that the Army was reaching out to personnel and families at Fort Wainwright affected by the incident," Stars & Stripes reported.
“We’re a real tight-knit group in the military, so right now, the entire 11th Airborne Division is grieving and preparing to provide whatever support is necessary for the families of the deceased and to help support those who are still in the hospital and dealing with their injuries,” he said.
My heart is with the entire 11th Airborne Division and families of the soldiers who passed away during a training exercise outside of Salcha. Words can’t express my gratitude for their service and sacrifice. They will be sorely missed by so many.https://t.co/zgbrcoIHbe
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) October 3, 2023
Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski shared her condolences after the news of the lost military members.
"My heart is with the entire 11th Airborne Division and families of the soldiers who passed away during a training exercise outside of Salcha. Words can’t express my gratitude for their service and sacrifice. They will be sorely missed by so many," she posted on social media.
The soldiers were based at Fort Wainwright, the nation's most northern military base. About 7,200 soldiers are reported stationed at the location.
The identities of the army members who died have not yet been identified, according to the military's report.
The sad loss of lives reminds of the dangers of military service and the importance of those who serve to protect the nation.
