Authorities report that four individuals, including a child, lost their lives when a helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston on Sunday evening.

Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz indicated at a press briefing on Sunday that this incident represents a “tragic event” resulting in significant loss of life.

The helicopter, identified as a Robinson R44, was engaging in an air tour when it collided with a radio tower, according to a statement from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent to YSL News.

Reports from the Federal Aviation Administration state that all four people aboard the helicopter died in the incident.

The accident occurred around 7:54 p.m. local time, as shared by the Houston Fire Department on X, formerly Twitter.

Diaz confirmed that all four passengers in the helicopter were fatalities.

Investigation underway

The helicopter had originated from Ellington Airport, stated Houston Mayor John Whitmire. The crash transpired approximately 17 miles northwest, near the intersection of North Ennis Street and Engelke Street.

Authorities, including the FAA, NTSB, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Houston Fire Department, are looking into the crash, according to Houston Fire Department Chief Thomas Muñoz.

The NTSB will take the lead on the investigation, as confirmed by the FAA.

According to the NTSB’s statement to YSL News, “NTSB investigators are on their way to the site and should arrive later today. Once they are present, they will start documenting the situation and inspecting the helicopter. The aircraft will then be moved to a secure site for a thorough examination.”

The investigation will cover the pilot’s qualifications, the helicopter’s specifications, and operational conditions, along with collecting data on flight paths, weather reports, and maintenance logs.

The NTSB urges anyone with videos or information relevant to the crash to send submissions to witness@ntsb.gov.

As of now, the cause of the crash remains uncertain.

Per the NTSB, “During the investigative phase at the crash site, the cause of the incident will not be determined or speculated.”

YSL News has contacted the involved agencies for further details.

There was no reported damage to nearby structures or homes, and the fire resulting from the crash was subdued.

Key details gathered

• Confirmed fatalities include four individuals, one of whom is a child.
• The helicopter crash occurred at 7:54 p.m. on Sunday.
• The helicopter took off from Ellington Airport, but the destination is currently undetermined.

Public urged not to touch debris

Diaz advised the public against touching any remnants of the helicopter or debris from the crash. Instead, he suggests contacting 911 to report any findings to emergency services.

“Please notify us where you see any debris in the area,” Diaz requested. “The investigation will be extensive due to the scale of the incident.”

Explosion described as a ‘fireball’

Upon the crash, personnel at Houston Fire Department’s Station 17 described hearing a loud bang, as mentioned by Mayor Whitmire during the press conference. “911 calls started flooding in immediately,” he shared.

The explosion was characterized by the mayor as resembling a “fireball from the sky.”

Residents nearby are safe, though both the helicopter and the tower were “obliterated.”

Problems with tower lighting reported earlier

It was reported that the tower’s lights were nonfunctional as of October 16, according to KHOU 11.

The story is ongoing.