Three people were killed and one injured in a helicopter crash near the border between the United States and Mexico on Friday.
The Starr County Sheriffs Office confrimed that deputies were helping with a helicopter crash on the East side of La Grulla, Texas.
Crash Near La Grulla Raises Concerns About Safety
The National Guard Lakota UH-72 helicopter crashed, leading to the loss of three lives and leaving a fourth person in critical condition. According to Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, the victims were one woman and three men.
The victims were later identified as two members on the New York National Guard and a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The survivor was a member of the National Guard.
A Border Patrol spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
The crash reportedly occurred in an area not associated with the Texas border enforcement effort known as "Operation Lone Star," confirmed by The Texas Department of Public Safety. The operation utilizes the National Guard and other law enforcement units for border security.
Senator John Cornyn offered condolences for the National Guard soldier, Border Patrol agent, and others affected by the crash.
In February, The National Guard ordered an aviation safety stand down for all Army National Guard helicopter units.
The review of safety policies and procedures followed two prior helicopter crashes. The temporary grounding of the entire helicopter fleet aimed to ensure heightened safety measures in the wake of recent incidents, according to NBC News.
US Marines Perish in San Diego Helicopter Crash
Two soldiers from the National Guard lost their lives in Mississippi during a training mission. Their military helicopter crashed in a wooded area on February 23.
On February 12, there was another incident where two National Guard pilots were hospitalized after their helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Utah. Both incidents notably featured AH-64 Apaches.
Five US Marines lost their lives in San Diego on February 6 after their military helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain among stormy weather.
As the investigation into the La Grulla crash continues, it seems that Mexican cartel members were using drones to monitor the helicopter during the crash. An disturbing video shared on social media allegedly depicts people laughing while focusing on the wreckage.
There are still questions regarding the safety precautions that are in place and the potential external variables that may have led to the crash that took place close to the border between the United States and the nation of Mexico, even as investigators continue to intensify their efforts to put out the details of this tragic incident, New York Post reported.
