The death toll from flooding that overturned an Army truck at Fort Hood in Texas increased to nine on Friday when searchers recovered the bodies of four missing soldiers.
The soldiers, who were participating in what Fort Hood spokesman Christopher Haug said was "a regular training exercise," were killed when their truck overturned at a creek crossing on Thursday during flooding.
Three soldiers were rescued by the "quick action" of others nearby after the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle was swept off a low-water crossing by rushing water, Maj. Gen. John Uberti said. The vehicle overturned in the swollen Owl Creek around 11:30 a.m. local time. The survivors were hospitalized in stable condition.
The bodies of three soldiers were initially recovered downstream from the vehicle, officials said. Two additional bodies were recovered Thursday night, according to Fort Hood. The bodies of four missing soldiers were found Friday afternoon, according to CBS News and NBC News.
“That road was not known to be or designated to be a dangerous low water crossing," Haug told KXAN. “They were in the proper place with what they were training. It is just an unfortunate accident that happened quickly."
Those killed were members of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood officials said in a statement. The identities of the dead hadn't been released.
The loss of life came during historic flooding in Texas.
The flooding is the worst in more than 100 years, leading to emergency declarations in 31 counties and evacuation orders. At least 16 people, including the soldiers, have been killed in the past week, and eight the week before.
A new onslaught of rain was predicted to add to already record-high flood conditions.
This article has been updated to include the recovery of additional bodies.
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