RAINIER Wash. (WACH-AP)--The Army is reporting that 4 US Army aviators were killed Monday evening in an accident involving 2 helicopters.  The helicopters were from Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington State.

According to military officials, 2 OH-58 Kiowa observation helicopters were involved in the crash inside a training area at about 8:00 p.m. PST.  The AP is reporting that it is not known if the aircraft crashed separately or collided.  "We don't have details on what actually occurred," base spokesman J.C. Mathews said

Maj. General Lloyd Miles, the acting senior Army commander at the base said "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the soldiers involved in this tragic accident,” going on to say that they will conduct a “thorough investigation” into the crash.

The Combat Readiness Center at Fort Rucker, AL will lead the investigation, according to a base spokesman.

The names of the dead will not be released until notifications to the victims is made.