Cadet Killed, Nearly 2 Dozen Injured In West Point Accident
WEST POINT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- One cadet was killed and nearly two dozen others were injured when a military vehicle rolled over at West Point on Thursday morning.
The accident happened around 6:45 a.m. off Route 293 near Camp Natural Bridge, a summer training site for cadets.
Twenty cadets and two soldiers were injured when a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle rolled over in the woods.
Web Extra: West Point Officials Discuss Deadly Rollover Crash:
Army soldiers were driving the vehicle, which was loaded with cadets. One cadet was killed. As for the 19 cadets and two soldiers injured, none of the injuries are considered life threatening. The injuries included a broken arm and cuts and bruises.
"Today was a tragic day," Lt. General Darryl A. Williams said.
The cadets -- seniors -- were being transported to a routine land navigation training exercise, Williams said. They were driving over hilly, challenging terrain.
"The community has come together very nicely," Williams said. "We responded extremely quickly."
Veteran soldiers had been deployed from the Third Infantry to West Point to train the new cadets. Soldiers came from Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell and Fort Stewart to participate in the training, CBS2's Jessica Moore reported.
Multiple medevac helicopters were called in.
"So sorry to hear about the terrible accident involving our GREAT West Point Cadets. We mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured. God Bless them ALL!" President Trump wrote on Twitter.
Vice President Mike Pence tweeted that he was "deeply saddened" by the accident.
"It's a horrific accident. These are young people who are dedicating their lives. It's the anniversary of D-Day. It really is a sad, sad moment, and it's especially poignant on the anniversary of D-Day. I think it's going to be worse than what we've heard," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a radio interview.
"The accident at West Point today is a devastating tragedy and my heart breaks for all those involved, their classmates, and their families," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement. "I will continue to closely monitor this situation and will do everything in my power in the Senate to make sure the Army has every resource it needs to investigate this terrible accident, care for the injured, and support members of the community who are grieving."
In 2016, multiple people were killed in a rollover of a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle at Fort Hood, Moore reported.
