On Sunday evening, a helicopter accident in Houston’s Second Ward claimed the lives of four people, including a child. The incident occurred at approximately 7:54 p.m., according to the Houston Fire Department, when a privately-owned Robinson R44 helicopter collided with a radio tower near the intersection of Engelke Street and Ennis Street.
The aircraft, which had departed from Ellington Airport, struck the tower or a cablef connected to it, causing a very loud explosion. The impact led to the collapse of the radio tower and ignited a grass fire that spread over two city blocks.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, addressing the media at a late-night news conference, confirmed the fatalities and expressed relief that the accident did not result in more extensive damage. “We were very fortunate it didn’t topple one way or the other,” Whitmire stated, referring to the fallen tower.
Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz stated that the helicopter was carrying four passengers, one of whom was a child whose age has not yet been determined. The identities of the victims will be disclosed only after their families have been notified. Chief Diaz also expressed his condolences, saying, “My prayers are with the families of the people in the helicopter.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided preliminary information suggesting that the helicopter was operating as an air tour flight when it crashed under unknown circumstances. NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the crash site on Monday to examine and recover the aircraft.
Local authorities, including the Houston Fire Department and Houston Police Department, responded swiftly to the scene. Fire Chief Thomas Munoz confirmed that emergency responders arrived within minutes of the crash.
The accident site is surrounded by residential areas, but fortunately, no structures on the ground other than the radio tower were damaged, and no injuries were reported among residents. Mayor Whitmire noted that a nearby gas tank was also unaffected by the crash.
As the investigation progresses, local officials are urging residents who may come across debris from the crash to refrain from touching it and to contact the authorities immediately. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is joining the NTSB in investigating the cause of the crash.