A helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston, Texas, late Sunday night, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a child, as per officials. The Houston Fire Department stated that the tragic incident occurred in the city’s Greater East End neighborhood around 7:54 p.m. The private aircraft, carrying four individuals, either collided with a cable connected to the tower or directly hit the tower itself, stated Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz during a news conference. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported on the ground.
The exact condition of all four individuals onboard the helicopter is unknown at this time. Additionally, officials have not disclosed the age of the child who lost their life in the crash. Following the impact, a fire broke out in a grass field, covering an area equivalent to two to three blocks, after the radio tower collapsed. Thankfully, no other structures on the ground were affected by the crash.
Houston mayor John Whitmire expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as “tragic.” He also mentioned that the situation could have been much worse, considering the proximity of a gas tank and nearby homes that remained unharmed. The mayor emphasized the fortunate outcome, stating that the tower’s collapse did not cause further damage to the surrounding residential area. Power outages were reported for some residents in the vicinity, although the extent of the impact and the duration of the outages are currently unknown.
Witnesses recounted feeling the impact of the crash, with some residents likening it to an earthquake. One individual mentioned experiencing an explosion followed by a momentary flicker in the lights inside their home. City council member Mario Castillo provided updates on the situation via social media, clarifying that the helicopter involved was a private touring aircraft and not affiliated with the Houston Police Department.
As the investigation unfolds, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken the lead in determining the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are working diligently to gather all necessary information to understand the events leading up to the tragic incident in Houston.
