Four people, including a kid, were killed when a helicopter slammed into a Houston radio tower Sunday night, according to authorities. During a news conference, officials said the disaster occurred around 7:54 p.m. when a private plane collided with a radio tower in Houston’s Second Ward. The collision happened at the intersection of Engelke Street and N. Ennis Street.
According to Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, the chopper hit a cable or the tower, but no one on the ground was hurt.
According to Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz, the fire was reported to have spread two to three blocks before being doused. However, no residents were affected.
The victims’ identities and ages have not been revealed.
“The residents are secure and safe but we have a terrible accident scene, multiple fatalities, tower, helicopter destroyed, helicopter apparently left Ellington not certain its destination,” the mayor, John Whitmire, said to reporters.
Houston City Councilmember Mario Castillo stated on X that the helicopter was not an HPD helicopter, but rather a private touring chopper.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced on social media that it is investigating the crash of a Robinson R44 II helicopter.
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Helicopter crash into Houston radio tower kills 4, including child: officials