One West Point cadet has died and nearly two dozen others have been injured after a military vehicle overturned near a training site on Thursday.
The U.S. Military Academy shared the news on Twitter, confirming that the accident involved a "light medium tactical vehicle," which sources say overturned during a training exercise near the academy, located 45 minutes from New York City. Two soldiers, who were training the West Point cadets, were also wounded as a result of the accident. They, as well as the 20 cadets who suffered injuries, were transported to local hospitals.
Kevin Larson, a Fort Stewart spokesperson based in Georgia, told NBC that members of Task Force 1-28 were driving when the accident occurred.
The crash reportedly occurred in the early morning hours on Thursday, prompting first responders, medical personnel, and Army officials to rush to the site, near Camp Natural Bridge off of Route 293. Authorities told The Daily Beast that the cause of the accident is currently an “ongoing investigation.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement in response to the fatal crash. “My heart breaks for all those involved in the tragic training accident at West Point this morning. These courageous cadets and soldiers represent the best of New York State and our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their bravery in choosing to serve our country and protect our freedoms,” he said. “This incident is made all the more heart wrenching as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day today, a day where we remember those who gave their lives for our country.”
During their second summer at West Point, cadets take part in rigorous military training which includes field exercises. According to the U.S. Military Academy's website, the preparation, "is designed to familiarize and train each Third Class cadet in basic and advanced individual Soldier skills."
