Four special operations soldiers aboard Black Hawk crash near JBLM; rescue halted by fire
MH-60 Black Hawk goes down near Joint Base Lewis-McChord as authorities say rescue efforts paused by on-scene fire; four service members unconfirmed
Four special operations soldiers were aboard an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter when it crashed in rural Washington on Wednesday night, authorities said. The aircraft went down about 35 miles west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the Summit Lake area of Thurston County. First responders involved in rescue operations were forced to halt their efforts after flames erupted at the scene, and the status of the four service members remained unknown late Wednesday.
Army Special Operations Command described the incident as a 'mishap' and said the helicopter belonged to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), commonly known as the Night Stalkers. The command said the crash occurred in terrain that was 'hard to reach' and that the investigation would determine the cause. Joint Base Lewis-McChord officials said they were coordinating with local authorities and the installation to deploy resources as needed.
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office said deputies located the crash site but could not continue rescue efforts because the scene was on fire and was starting to overheat personnel's footwear, Sheriff Derek Sanders said in a statement. The crash also sparked a wildfire that authorities estimated at up to about one acre of surrounding terrain, complicating response operations.
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) — based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky — provides aviation assets for specialized units and is known for executing night operations in difficult environments. The unit has a long history of supporting U.S. military missions around the world, though details of ongoing operations are typically classified.
Investigators said the cause of the crash is under review, and officials cautioned that information could change as more data becomes available. The incident marks a rare and troubling event in Washington state, where the military conducts routine training and operations in partnership with civilian agencies. No final conclusions have been reached, and authorities urged patience as responders continue to assess the scene.
This is a breaking news story; more details will be provided as they become available.