West Point Cadet Killed, Others Injured In Tactical Vehicle Crash

June 6, 2019, 1:44 p.m.

An emergency management official said the vehicles are 'prone' to overturning.

Military police and civilian first responders stand along Route 293 in response to a rollover of an armored personnel vehicle in which at least one person was killed, in Cornwall, N.Y.

Military police and civilian first responders stand along Route 293 in response to a rollover of an armored personnel vehicle in which at least one person was killed, in Cornwall, N.Y.

A tactical vehicle carrying West Point cadets and active duty soldiers overturned on Thursday morning in Cornwall, NY. One cadet was killed while 22 others were injured, according to the U.S. Military Academy.

The incident took place near Camp Natural Bridge, where West Point cadets train. According to the NY Post, "Law enforcement sources said the vehicle was going up a steep section when it rolled over and dropped about 15 to 20 feet down an embankment, landing on rocks."

The victims were taken to three area hospitals.

Cadets spend their second summer training, and a CNN military analyst said that they receive "vigorous military training" at Camp Natural Bridge. Retired Major General James "Spider" Marks explained "these are 'routine' exercises done generally during what is the summer after cadets' first year. Marks said the cadets are 'exposed to how Army operates at small-unit level squads' and also learn about 'team building' and learn "individual skills as team leader."

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Military police and civilian first responders stand along Route 293 in response to a rollover of an armored personnel vehicle in which at least one person was killed, in Cornwall, N.Y. (Allyse Pulliam / AP / Shutterstock)

Alan C. Mack, Orange County's deputy commissioner for emergency management, told the NY Times that the vehicle, a five-ton cargo truck, is "very prone to rollover. It’s one of the downsides of them. They're high-axle vehicles, so they can get through water and mud or that kind of stuff."

Three years ago, a light medium tactical vehicle overturned in Fort Hood, Texas, killing nine soldiers.

During an interview on WAMC, Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “It’s an horrific accident. These are young people who are dedicating their lives. It’s the anniversary of D-Day. It really is a sad, sad moment, and it’s especially poignant on the anniversary of D-Day. I think it’s going to be worse than what we’ve heard."