Houston helicopter crash: 4 dead, including a child, as planes crash into communications tower in Second District

CNN
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Four people, including a child, were killed when a helicopter crashed into a communications tower behind homes in Houston's Second Ward, triggering a fiery explosion and causing the building to collapse, according to local officials.

The accident occurred just before 8 p.m. Sunday near Engelke Street and North Ennis Street, triggering a large explosion that was heard at a fire station less than a half-mile from the scene of the accident, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during a nightly press conference.

According to Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, four people were aboard the private Robinson R44 helicopter. Whitmire confirmed that all four were killed, CNN affiliate KTRK reported.

The plane appeared to have departed from Ellington Airport, about 17 miles south of the crash site, but its destination was unclear, the mayor said.

Witness video shows firefighters urging onlookers to clear the area where the fire was burning and warning them of a nearby gas tank.

“This is a tragic event tonight. “It’s a tragic loss of life,” Diaz said.

The fire has not been active since 9:30 p.m., said a fire department spokesman.

“The residents are safe and secure, but we have a terrible accident scene,” Whitmire said.

Photos released by the fire department show the mangled tower draped over a dirt clearing behind a row of houses.

Some homes near the crash site lost power, Whitmire said.

The mayor said the city was “lucky” that the explosion was not more serious because there was a gas tank in the area.

According to CNN affiliate KPRC, Manuel Arciniega was nearby when the crash occurred.

“My buddy behind me told me to look at the sky and I just saw the cell tower collapse. They said it was hit by a helicopter,” Arciniega told the affiliate.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident, the fire department said. The NTSB is also investigating.

“Due to the magnitude of the accident, it will be an extensive investigation,” Diaz said. If residents find helicopter parts in the area, they should avoid touching them and notify the fire department or police, he added.