Tragedy struck in Houston, Texas, on Sunday night when a helicopter collided with a radio tower, killing all four people on board, including a child, according to fire officials. The crash occurred just before 8 p.m. in the city’s Second Ward, after the R44 helicopter took off from Ellington Field, located about 15 miles southeast of downtown Houston.
Authorities have yet to release the identities or ages of the victims. The helicopter crashed near the intersection of Engelke and Ennis streets, an area east of downtown Houston. The Houston Fire Department shared details of the crash on X, formerly Twitter, confirming the aircraft had hit the tower before going down.
In a development that has raised questions about the crash, reports surfaced that some of the warning lights on the radio tower were not functioning at the time of the incident. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notice, published four days before the crash, highlighted that some lights on the tower were inoperable. A video circulating on social media, posted by X user Jay Marroquin, appears to show the moment the helicopter struck the tower, flying just below a single blinking light at the top of the structure.
Houston city council member Mario Castillo revealed that the helicopter was being used for private tours. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have announced they will investigate the crash. While the NTSB’s final report could take up to two years, a preliminary report with initial findings is expected in the coming weeks.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the crash site, with authorities urging nearby residents to report any debris or evidence on their properties that could assist investigators in their efforts to understand what led to the tragic event.
