A West Point cadet was killed in a training accident Thursday morning after a military vehicle packed with nearly two dozen cadets and active duty soldiers overturned on a dirt road near the U.S. Military Academy in New York, officials confirmed.
Two soldiers, both based in Fort Benning, Ga., and another 20 cadets were injured in the single-vehicle accident, which occurred around 6:45 a.m. near the Natural Camp Bridge training site on the Military Academy's main campus. They all suffered non-life threatening injuries, ranging from facial abrasions to a broken arm, officials said in a press conference Thursday afternoon.
None of the victims identities have been released.
"Emergency vehicles are responding," the U.S. Military Academy tweeted around 8 a.m. "Please avoid Route 293."
Cadets aboard the light medium tactical vehicle -- all of them rising seniors -- were en route to land navigation training at the time. West Point Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams said that it's not typical for the trucks to turn over but acknowledged the one involved had been traveling on "hilly, mountainous terrain."
The truck involved was a 2.5-ton, four-wheel vehicle, which typically has a capacity of 14 while its 5-ton counterpart can hold 20.
Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt said the two active duty soldiers were in the front cab and the rest in the back. Williams said he was not concerned there were too many passengers in the vehicle when it flipped.
"So sorry to hear about the terrible accident involving our GREAT West Point Cadets," President Trump said in a tweet Thursday afternoon. "We mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured. God Bless them ALL!"
Classes at West Point concluded last month, but the academy hosts training sessions for cadets throughout the summer. Field training exercises at West Point, which typically occur over the summer, are "designed to familiarize and train each Third Class cadet in basic and advanced individual soldier skills," according to the academy's website.
"Training is conducted in combined arms operations, introducing the cadets to the combat, combat support and combat service support branches of the U.S."
New York State Police said troopers were assisting West Point personnel on the scene of the deadly incident, the cause of which remains under investigation.
"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 in a statement.
"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."
The state of New York is honoring scores of World War II veterans to mark the anniversary during a ceremony on Long Island Thursday.
The U.S. Military Academy, often referred to as West Point, was founded in 1802 and is located about 50 miles north of New York City.
With News Wire Services
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