At least one West Point Military cadet was killed Thursday morning after the tactical vehicle they were riding in flipped over near an academy training site, officials said. A total of 20 cadets and two soldiers who were driving the vehicle were also hurt in the accident that occurred at around 6:45 a.m.
Authorities say the injured were taken to local hospitals, but there was no word on their condition. It's still unclear what may have caused the accident in the first place, but military officials say their investigation is currently on-going. West Point public affairs described the accident at Camp Natural Bridge as a "chaotic" situation when news first broke, NBC News reported.
Video of the scene obtained by newschoppers in the area showed the military vehicle barely visible through the tree cover, but clearly upside down with the wheels and undercarriage facing the camera.
"One cadet is reported deceased, 20 cadets and two soldiers are wounded that were involved in a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle accident that occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. off Route 293," the tweet read.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement that he was grateful to the first responders working the accident scene.
"My heart breaks for all those involved in the tragic training accident at West Point this morning. These courageous cadets and soldiers represent the best of New York State and our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their bravery in choosing to serve our country and protect our freedoms," the statement from Gov. Cuomo read. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, we pray for a speedy recovery for those involved and we share in the sorrow experienced by their loved ones during this extremely difficult time."
"This incident is made all the more heart wrenching as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day today, a day where we remember those who gave their lives for our country," the statement said.
West Point Military Academy is located about 45-minutes away from New York City. Cadets there take part in field training exercises that are designed to "familiarize and train each Third Class cadet in basic and advanced individual soldier skills."
"Training is conducted in combined arms operations, introducing the cadets to the combat, combat support and combat service support branches of the U.S.," West Point's website says.