On Sunday evening, a tragic helicopter crash occurred in Houston, Texas, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a child. Local authorities shared that the helicopter, reportedly carrying four individuals, collided with a radio tower in the city’s eastern area.
Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene, as local media reported a significant presence of first responders. Fire officials confirmed that the victims were aboard the helicopter, although their identities remain undisclosed at this time. Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft was a privately owned R44 helicopter that had taken off from Ellington Field, located about 15 miles away from where the incident occurred.
According to KHOU-TV, a CBS News affiliate, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) previously indicated that the lights on the tower were not operational at the time of the crash. Images released by the Houston Fire Department on social media depicted first responders examining the wreckage.
During a press conference held at the crash site, Police Chief J. Noe Diaz stated that it appeared no one on the ground was injured. Fire Department Chief Thomas Munoz added that the crash ignited a fire that spread over a significant area, estimated to cover two to three blocks. He expressed relief that there were no residents nearby, although the crash occurred in close proximity to homes.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire also remarked on the fortunate circumstances surrounding the crash, noting that it did not lead to a larger explosion. He mentioned that some homes in the vicinity lost power as a result of the incident.
Officials confirmed that the radio tower was the only structure damaged by the impact, and both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct investigations into the crash.
