Five soldiers dead, four still missing in Texas floods

Four US soldiers were still missing today, a day after their vehicle flipped over in a rain-swollen Texas creek during a training exercise, killing five others.

“Yesterday we suffered a tragic accident where we lost five of our soldiers,” said Major General John Uberti, speaking to reporters today at the Fort Hood military base.

The troops were a training assignment when their vehicle was caught in flash flooding at the base.

“Due to the quick action of some other soldiers that were training, we were able to rescue three soldiers who are in stable condition” in hospital, Uberti said.

“Our priority has been since the first report of this incident and continues to be the search for our four missing teammates,” he added.

“We’re providing the support and counseling for the families, friends, and soldiers as we work through the notification and grieving process.”

Texas has seen several days of severe storms, including in the area around Fort Hood, where the troops’ Light Medium Tactical Vehicle overturned.

An aerial search, canine units and swift water rescue boats were all deployed in response to the accident.

The Fort Hood Army base is located approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) northwest of Houston. Nearly 41,000 soldiers are stationed there.