West Point cadet killed, 21 others injured in crash near upstate New York military training site

A West Point cadet was killed in a training accident Thursday and another 21 injured when the vehicle they were in overturned on a rough dirt road in upstate New York near the military training facility.

The tactical vehicle was operated by two soldiers from Fort Benning, Ga., when it flipped over on a fire break road around 6:45 a.m., killing one cadet, said West Point officials. The others suffered non-serious injuries ranging from cuts and scrapes to one broken arm.

None of the victims' names have been released. The two soldiers were training along with the cadets from the Class of 2020. The loaded tactical vehicle was headed to a land navigation site as part of standard summer cadet training, according to West Point superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams.

"It is not common for these vehicles to turn over. It is very rough terrain," Williams told reporters at a briefing near the accident site Thursday afternoon. "You can see the hills we have here.

"We don't know the details of how the accident actually happened," he added.

West Point, founded in 1902 and formally known as the U.S. Military Academy, is located about 50 miles north of the city.

Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt said the two active duty soldiers were in the front cab. The vehicle has a capacity of 20, not counting those up front. It wasn't clear if all the cadets were in the vehicle when it flipped, Ophardt said.

President Trump, who attended D-Day commemorations in Normandy on Thursday, tweeted his condolences.

"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," he wrote.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a West Point graduate, also tweeted about the accident.

"Heartbroken for the cadet who was killed in service to our nation at my alma mater, West Point," Pompeo tweeted. "May the cadet's family find peace in knowing our nation will always honor that commitment. Praying for them, the injured cadets and all of their families. May the Lord be with you all."

Classes at West Point ended last month, but the academy hosts field training sessions over the summer that are "designed to familiarize and train each Third Class cadet in basic and advanced individual soldier skills," according to the academy's website.

New York State Police sent in troopers to the scene of the crash to assist West Point personnel.

"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," Gov. Cuomo 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," he added.

With News Wire Services

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