October 21, 2024 HOUSTON, Texas – A helicopter struck a radio antenna tower killing multiple people on board, including a child, near east downtown Houston, said a representative from the Houston Fire Department.
According to Houston city officials, a private touring helicopter that left from Ellington air field crashed into a 1200ft radio tower just before 8pm, Sunday evening.
Police and City Officials say that no one on the ground level was reported injured. Debris are said to be scattered across at least two blocks and in several yards in the nearby neighborhood.
In immediate aftermath footage obtained by FNTV, bystanders stand close to fiery wreckage seen stretching across a field near Navigation Blvd, in the area of Engelke Street & N Ennis Street on the border of Second Ward in Houston’s east end.
According to Houston Police, all four people on the R44 model type private helicopter died in the crash. Officials say the names and age of the individuals on board the aircraft have not been released.
The FAA, NTSB and DPS are investigating the fatal incident with investigation expected to last several days. The tower and private helicopter were both completely destroyed in the crash.
Houston police officials are asking the public who come across wreckage to not touch any components and please call 911.