Four individuals died after a helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston Sunday night.
“Numerous emergency crews are currently on the scene in East Houston, Texas, following reports that a helicopter collided with a cell tower, causing it to burst into flames. Eyewitnesses describe hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick black smoke rising from the site. Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze while paramedics stand by for any potential injuries,” Rawsalerts wrote.
“Officials say the tower involved in the crash was a radio tower belonging to Univision’s ‘Que Buena 102.9’ (KLTN) and ‘Latino Mix 104.9’ (KAMA-FM). Reports indicate that the helicopter was operated by a touring company. The FAA will be involved in the investigation,” an update stated.
🚨#UPDATE: Officials say the tower involved in the crash was a radio tower belonging to Univision’s ‘Que Buena 102.9’ (KLTN) and ‘Latino Mix 104.9’ (KAMA-FM). Reports indicate that the helicopter was operated by a touring company. The FAA will be involved in the investigation pic.twitter.com/9ucq3VPZ6M
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) October 21, 2024
“PIO is en route to a reported helicopter crash at Engelke & Ennis. Preliminary info that a helicopter hit a radio tower at about 7:54 pm. No details yet on injuries/fatalities. All info further information will come from the scene,” the Houston Fire Department stated Sunday night.
PIO is en route to a reported helicopter crash at Engelke & Ennis. Preliminary info that a helicopter hit a radio tower at about 7:54 pm. No details yet on injuries/fatalities. All info further information will come from the scene. #hounews
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) October 21, 2024
Reports confirmed four people died on board, including a child.
ABC13 Houston reports:
A child is among the multiple deaths confirmed Sunday night when a helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston’s Second Ward, according to officials.
According to the Houston Fire Department, the helicopter hit a radio tower at Engelke and Ennis at about 7:54 p.m.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirmed there were four fatalities in this incident, including a child, but the ages and identities were not immediately released. Whitmire added that the helicopter had departed from Ellington, but its destination was not disclosed.
As the investigation continues into the crash, Chief Noe Diaz with the Houston Police Department urged residents that if they see components of the aircraft, they should not touch them.
BREAKING: A helicopter crashed into a radio tower near downtown Houston tonight. Here's what the scene looked like just after it happened. Here's what we know: https://t.co/AOqa2UdGty #khou11 pic.twitter.com/q0Ca9UJXB9
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) October 21, 2024
🚨#BREAKING: Officials have just announced that four people, including a child, were killed after a helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston. pic.twitter.com/9Z5vs8uQHZ
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) October 21, 2024
From the New York Post:
The identities of the victims have yet to be released, but police confirmed a child was one of the four killed, without giving an age. All four were on the chopper, with no injuries reported on the ground.
The helicopter “was a private touring helicopter,” Houston City Councilmember Mario Castillo said on X.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes of the crash.
“This is a tragic event tonight, it’s a tragic loss of life,” Whitmire said Sunday night.
Officials said the helicopter had taken off from Ellington Field, about 15 minutes away from where it crashed. Where the aircraft was headed is currently unclear.