HOUSTON, TX – A helicopter crash near downtown Houston on Sunday night resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a child. The incident occurred when the helicopter collided with a radio tower, erupting into flames, the Houston Fire Department reported.
The crash was reported around 7:55 p.m. near Engelke Street and Navigation Boulevard in Houston’s Second Ward. The helicopter, an R44 private aircraft, had departed from Ellington Airport, although its intended destination remains unknown, according to authorities.
Emergency responders, situated conveniently close at Fire Station 17, were on the scene within minutes to contain the fire and address immediate safety concerns related to nearby utilities. The four occupants of the helicopter, whose identities are being withheld pending family notification, were confirmed deceased at the scene.
During a news conference, Houston Mayor John Whitmire emphasized the swift response from local emergency personnel. Houston Police Department Chief Noe Diaz described the event as a “tragic loss of life,” as investigators from various agencies, including the FAA and NTSB, began examining the incident.
The FAA disclosed that the radio tower’s lights had been reported out of service as of October 16, potentially contributing to the crash. Fortunately, no damage occurred to surrounding structures, although the blaze did burn through a stretch of grass circling the crash site.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid handling any aircraft debris they may come across and to contact 911 if debris is spotted. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details about the helicopter’s flight path before the incident.
The community has been assured that there’s no lingering threat following the extinguishment of the fire.