As you may already know, the United States military community is reeling after the loss of a Marine Blue Angel captain in a fiery crash followed by the tragic deaths of five Army soldiers who were killed Thursday when their truck overturned in a creek at Fort Hood.

According to authorities, four soldiers are still missing in Texas. Three soldiers who were also victims of the accident — which occurred in the morning at a “low water crossing near the northeastern part” of the installation — are in stable condition at a nearby hospital.

This from the Washington Post:

On Friday, a Fort Hood spokesman said Texas base personnel were attempting to close a road because it was becoming flooded by a swollen creek when a military vehicle overturned, killing at least five. 

“We were in the process – at the moment of the event – of closing the roads,” Chris Haug said at a press conference outside of the base Friday morning. 

According to Haug, a dozen soldiers were training on how to drive a light medium tactical vehicle when they came to a swollen creek on the north side of the base and the vehicle overturned. 

The crossing is not a designated low-water crossing, Haug said, and troops regularly pass through “weather conditions like this.” But, he added, the water in the creek rose quickly. 

“It was a tragic accident where we lost five of our soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. John Uberti, Fort Hood’s Deputy Commanding General. “Due to the quick action of some other soldiers who were training, we were able to rescue three soldiers.” 

The Army vehicle behind the disabled vehicle rescued the three soldiers who are now getting treatment for their injuries. The branch has announced that they expect the military members to be released sometime Friday.

Officials are now saying that they’re using “all assets” available (search crews, air and dog teams) to locate the missing soldiers. They’re also receiving help from agencies all across Texas.

The soldiers were part of the 16th Field Artillery Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division.

We’ll have the names of the deceased soldiers when they’re released, after their next of kin have been notified.