Airman killed, 5 others injured in vehicle crash on Montana Air Force base

An airman was killed and five more soldiers were injured in a vehicle crash at an Air Force base in Montana Saturday, according to officials.

Four airmen, including the fallen serviceman, were wounded in the initial crash on the Malmstrom Air Force Base, and another two airmen responding to the scene were also injured, the base said in a news release.

The five injured airmen were taken to nearby hospitals. The deceased airman was pronounced dead at the scene and has not been identified pending family notification.

“Each of our Airmen are amazing and are vital members of our team,” Col. Dan Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander said in a statement. “We will need time to grieve for our teammate that we lost and for our injured members to heal both physically and mentally.

“Our focus right now, is to make sure that all of Team Malmstrom have the support they need to make it through this difficult time.”

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The base — which was established during World War II — is located in Great Falls, about 90 miles from Helena, the state capital.

Elected officials across Montana mourned the loss of the serviceman over the weekend.

“Susan and I join the men and women of Malmstrom Air Force Base in grieving the loss of an airman who tragically passed away in a vehicle accident this weekend,” Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said in a statement.

“Saddened to hear of the accident at Malmstrom Air Force Base that took the life of one of our brave airmen,” US Sen. Jon Tester said in a statement.

“My heart goes out to the Malmstrom community and the families affected as we mourn his loss and pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”