The death toll in a tragic event in Texas, U.S. rose to nine after bodies of four soldiers, who had gone missing after their vehicle had overturned due to heavy flooding in the state, was recovered. The soldiers were on a training mission in a remote location in Fort Hood when their army truck got stuck in a creek.
The Fort Hood soldiers had gone missing on Thursday as their Light Medium Tactical Vehicle was swept away after being stuck on Owl Creek, which reportedly is prone to flash floods. Three soldiers were rescued on Thursday by their colleagues who were travelling in a vehicle behind them.
"In this incident, we've lost nine soldiers," Maj. Gen. John Uberti was quoted as saying by CNN.
"It was a situation where the rain had come and the water was rising quickly," he said. "They regularly pass through these weather conditions like this. This was a tactical vehicle, and at the time they were in proper place. Just an unfortunate accident that occurred quickly."
A state of disaster has been declared in 31 counties of Texas by Governor Greg Abbott due to heavy flooding in the state even as six people, apart from the soldiers, lost their lives due to the deluge. Abbott has also warned residents in the 31 counties to evacuate the areas. He also asked residents to not drive through or travel in air boats as they could be swept away.
"I saw neighbourhoods that were literally islands, completely surround by water," Abbott said.
