FORT HOOD, Texas — The U.S. Army has closed its massive Army base at Fort Hood, Texas, amid reports that several people have been shot and killed at the post.

The Web site of the base in central Texas has posted an alert that says, "Effective immediately Fort Hood is closed." The Web site said that units at the base have been ordered to account for all personnel.

The site says, "This is not a Drill. It is an Emergency Situation."

Several television stations in Texas say several people were both killed and wounded in the shooting. Officials at the base and in the nearby town of Killeen, Texas, have not confirmed those accounts.

Fort Hood is located halfway between Austin and Waco.

The Herald Bulletin asks that any Madison County natives currently stationed in the Fort Hood area -- or who knows one -- please call to give us your eyewitness accounts. The number is (800) 750-5049, ext. 4800, or (765) 640-4800 locally.