A helicopter crash in Houston's Second Ward on Sunday evening claimed the lives of four people, including a child, after the aircraft struck a radio tower, according to fire officials.
The helicopter, identified as an R44 model, went down just before 8 p.m. in the area east of downtown Houston, Texas, following its departure from Ellington Field, located roughly 15 miles away.
Houston Police Chief, Noe Diaz confirmed that the helicopter had taken off from Ellington Field and was headed to an unknown destination when the accident occurred.
"We don't know the age ranges yet, but that we are pretty sure," Diaz said in response to whether there was a child on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims. The Houston Fire Department provided an update on the incident via social media platform X, stating, "PIO (Public Information Officer) is en route to a reported helicopter crash at Engelke & Ennis," referring to the area where the crash took place.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire spoke about the swift response from emergency crews, noting that Houston Fire Department Station 17, located just down the street from the crash site, was able to reach the scene within minutes. "This is a tragic event tonight, it's a tragic loss of life," Whitmire said, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.
The helicopter involved in the crash was not affiliated with local law enforcement, according to officials. "The helicopter that crashed in Second Ward was not an HPD helicopter, it was a private touring helicopter," Houston City Councilmember Mario Castillo posted on X. However, this information has yet to be independently verified by authorities.
Newsweek has reached out to the Houston Police Department for comment via email.
Emergency personnel were on-site in large numbers shortly after the crash, and local media reported significant activity from first responders. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash.
In the meantime, police and fire officials have urged residents near the crash site to call 911 if they find any debris or other items on their property that may be linked to the investigation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on gathering all available evidence to piece together the events that led to this devastating crash, while the community mourns the loss of life.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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