Houston helicopter crash: Four people, including a child, dead after crashing into suburban radio tower

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
A view from the north side of the collapsed radio tower where a helicopter collided with the structure, killing all aboard.
A view from the north side of the collapsed radio tower where a helicopter collided with the structure, killing all aboard. Credit: Michael Wyke/Chron.com

A helicopter has crashed into a suburban radio tower in the US, killing four people — including a child.

The R44 helicopter was believed to have taken off from Ellington Field Airport in Houston late on Sunday evening.

One of the people on board has been confirmed as a child, but the identities and age range of the individuals have not been released.

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During a news conference on Monday afternoon, Lt. Jonathan French with the Houston police department vehicular crimes division said there were multiple reports of debris being discovered due to the crash.

Authorities said they were scouring over four acres, and would also perform a 3D scan that would take “hours”.

Lt. French said: “No homes were damaged as a result of the crash. However, some damaged vehicles were also spotted”.

Local Mayor John Whitmire said at a news conference that he didn’t know the flight’s destination but “firefighters at a nearby station heard the crash and responded”.

People gather near the site of a helicopter crash Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Houston.
People gather near the site of a helicopter crash Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Houston. Credit: Raquel Natalicchio/Chron.com

“It was a terrible accident scene and the tower and helicopter were destroyed. Some area residents lost power,” Mr Whitmire said.

“It is surrounded by residences and that’s where we were very fortunate — that it didn’t topple in one direction or another. And the fireball pretty much was isolated.”

Investigators have begun documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration will also investigate.

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