A tragic helicopter crash in Houston, Texas, claimed the lives of four people, including a child, on Sunday (October 20). The private helicopter, a Robinson R44, crashed into a radio tower just before 8 p.m., according to the Houston Fire Department. The identities of the victims had not been made public as of Monday morning.
The helicopter had taken off from Ellington Airport and crashed around 17 miles northwest near North Ennis Street and Engelke Street, according to Houston Mayor John Whitmire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead role.
Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz confirmed the fatalities at a press conference on Sunday night, describing the event as a “tragic loss of life.” He urged residents to avoid touching any debris from the crash and to notify the fire or police departments if they find any pieces of the aircraft or shrapnel.
The crash caused a fire that was extinguished by 9:30 p.m. No other structures or homes were damaged in the crash, though some nearby homes lost power. Despite the loss of life, Mayor Whitmire said the city was “fortunate” the explosion had not been worse, as first responders found a gas tank near the crash site.
According to the Statesman, the tower’s lights had been reported as inoperable on October 16. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
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