Helicopter crashes after hitting radio tower, killing four people, officials say

HOUSTON (AP) — A helicopter reportedly crashed in Houston on Sunday after hitting a radio tower, killing four people on board, including a child, fire officials said.

Houston authorities said the plane, an R44 helicopter, crashed just before 8 p.m. in Houston’s Second Ward, east of the city’s downtown, after apparently taking off from Ellington Field, about 15 miles away.

The identities of the victims and their ages have not yet been released.

“PIO is on its way to a reported helicopter crash at Engelke & Ennis,” the fire brigade said on X on Sunday evening.

“The helicopter that crashed in Second Ward was not an HPD helicopter, it was a private touring helicopter,” Houston City Councilman Mario Castillo said on X, although that could not immediately be confirmed.

Local media reported that a large number of emergency workers responded to the scene.

Police and fire officials have urged residents near the crash site to call 911 if they find anything on their property that could help their investigation.

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