Pilot killed, 2 helpers injured in car accidents at base in Montana

According to the 341st Missile Squadron, one pilot was killed and five others injured in a series of car crashes at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana on June 29. The name of the pilot who was killed has not yet been publicly released.

The pilot died in a first car crash that also injured three other people, authorities said. Two rescue workers sent to the scene were also injured in a second crash as they rushed to the scene.

“The cause of the accident is currently under investigation and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of our personnel and prevent future incidents,” the squadron said in a press release. “The safety and well-being of all our soldiers is our priority and we are providing support and assistance to those affected by this tragic event.”

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Information on the cause of the accident or the injuries sustained by the rescue workers was not initially available.

The five injured pilots were taken to nearby medical facilities. Air Force officials have not released any information about their current health conditions.

According to the Air Force Safety Center, a total of 19 additional pilots were killed in traffic accidents in the 2024 fiscal year through June 5. For comparison, 37 pilots were killed in accidents in the last fiscal year, and 22 died in the 2022 fiscal year.

“Each of our Soldiers is amazing and a vital member of our team,” said Col. Dan Voorhies, 341st Missile Squadron commander, in a statement. “We will need time to mourn our lost teammate and for our injured members to heal physically and mentally. Our focus now is to ensure all of Team Malmstrom has the support they need to get through this difficult time.”

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