Three confirmed dead in National Guard helicopter crash near southern border in Texas: Chopper was ‘on federal orders’ carrying three soldiers and one Border Patrol agent

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By Maya Cantina

  • The helicopter went down near town of La Grulla on Friday afternoon 

At least two people have died after a National Guard helicopter crashed in Texas, multiple law enforcement sources confirmed to KXAN.

The helicopter went down on Friday afternoon in the border town of La Grulla, near the Rio Grande.

The aircraft was carrying three soldiers and a Border Patrol agent, according to Fox News.

Law enforcement sources told the outlet the National Guard soldiers were working on  Department of Homeland Security business.

All least four people were critically injured, Texas Department of Public Safety South Texas Regional Director Victor Escalon told local media.

At least two people have died after a National Guard helicopter crashed in Texas , multiple law enforcement sources confirmed to KXAN 

The crash took place on Friday afternoon, near Rio Grande City approximately two miles east of La Grulla

The helicopter was New York National Guard Laktoa chopper

The helicopter was New York National Guard Laktoa chopper 

Escalon said the aircraft was ‘a military helicopter on federal orders working with Border Patrol’ and not part of Operation Lone Star, Texas’ border enforcement arm which works with the National Guard.

Starr County Sheriff’s Office said it is, ‘currently assisting with a downed helicopter incident on the East side of the county, involving possibly four occupants’.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed it is assisting federal agencies with the crash, which took place near Old Military Road, approximately two miles east of La Grulla. 

Former Republican congresswoman Mayra Flores Vallejo asked the public to pray for the victims.

‘I am asking for a prayer request and support for Border Patrol and CBP Air and Marine Operations. A tragic helicopter crash just happened near La Grulla, Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with you,’ she wrote on X. 

ᴀʀᴛɪᴄʟᴇ ꜱᴏᴜʀᴄᴇ

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