The military reportedly “lost contact” with a helicopter near Summit Lake outside of Olympia, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Law enforcement is staging a rescue mission in Thurston County after a military helicopter crashed late Wednesday night near Summit Lake, just outside of Olympia. 

Deputies located the site of the crash on Wednesday night near the lake, which is approximately 20 minutes west of Olympia and 30 minutes west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). However, they had to retreat because of a fire around the crash scene and have not been able to make contact.

It is unknown how many people were on board when the helicopter crashed. The military reported losing contact with the helicopter on Wednesday night, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

TCSO is “working closely with JBLM to deploy any resources needed to assist.” 

JBLM told KING 5 it is aware of the reported crash and could not provide further information. The Thurston County Fire Department is also responding to the scene. 

In March 2024, a U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter crashed on JBLM during a training flight. There were no fatalities. 

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