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Army helicopter involved in accident at Yakima Training Center

YAKIMA, Wash. — A U.S. Army helicopter was involved in an accident during a routine training exercise Saturday evening at the Yakima Training Center, the Army announced Sunday.

The aircrew was taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital for evaluation. One soldier was released Sunday morning while another remains in the hospital for evaluation.

Both soldiers are members of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

“Our number one priority at this time is ensuring our pilots receive the medical care they need, while simultaneously caring for their families,” said Col. Derek Smith, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade.

The Army is deploying an aviation safety team from Fort Novosel, Alabama, to investigate the accident.