A helicopter crash in Houston on Sunday evening resulted in the deaths of four individuals and the destruction of a radio tower. The incident occurred shortly before 8 PM in the Second Ward area, east of downtown Houston, after the helicopter took off from Ellington Field, approximately 15 miles away. The mayor, John Whitmire, confirmed that the destination of the helicopter was unknown.
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities confirmed in the helicopter crash.
- The helicopter collided with a radio tower shortly after takeoff.
- No injuries reported on the ground.
- The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
The helicopter, identified as a Robinson R44 II, reportedly struck either a cable or the tower itself, according to Houston Police Chief J. Noah Diaz. Officials stated that there were no known injuries to individuals on the ground at the time of the crash. The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been released.
Firefighters from a nearby station heard the crash and quickly responded to the scene. Mayor Whitmire described the aftermath as a "terrible accident scene" with multiple fatalities, and noted that both the helicopter and the radio tower were completely destroyed. Some residents in the vicinity experienced power outages as a result of the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents reported seeing flames and hearing a loud noise as the helicopter collided with the tower. One local resident stated, "It was shocking to see such a tragedy unfold right in our neighborhood."
The crash site is surrounded by residential homes, and Mayor Whitmire expressed relief that the helicopter did not crash in a more populated area. "We were very lucky that it didn’t tip over in either direction," he said.
A large area of grass caught fire due to the crash, but nearby homes were spared from damage, according to Fire Chief Thomas Munoz.
Investigation Underway
The helicopter involved in the crash was not affiliated with the Houston Police Department but was a private tour helicopter, as confirmed by Houston City Council member Mario Castillo. Authorities are urging residents near the crash site to contact emergency services if they find anything that could assist in the investigation.
In addition to the NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Public Safety, and local fire and police departments are involved in the ongoing investigation.
As the community mourns the loss of life, officials are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
