Deadly Helicopter Crash: 4 Perish in US Radio Tower Accident

US Helicopter Crash Claims 4 Lives

“Fortunately, neither a nearby gas tank nor any homes in the vicinity were impacted...”

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A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Houston's Second Ward district on October 20, 2024, resulting in the loss of four lives, including a child. The privately-owned Robinson R44 helicopter, carrying four passengers, crashed into a radio tower for local station KLTN 102.9, causing the tower to collapse and sparking a massive fire that spread across two to three city blocks.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes, as confirmed by Fire Department Chief Thomas Munoz. Fortunately, officials reported that the radio tower was the only structure affected by the crash. However, the aftermath was devastating, with Houston's Police Chief J. Noe Diaz stating that the families of the deceased had not been notified yet.

The mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, described the incident as a “tragic scene” but also noted that “we are fortunate it wasn't worse.” The cause of the crash and the flight plan of the helicopter remain unknown, as investigations are ongoing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be leading the investigation into the accident.

Houston, US, Chief of Police, Noe Diaz said, “four people were aboard the helicopter when it struck the tower or a cable connected to it.”

Adding that, “there were no casualties on the ground, but there were 'multiple fatalities' reported on board and a child was among the victims.”

Mayor John Whitmire expressed relief that the helicopter crash had limited consequences, stating, “Fortunately, neither a nearby gas tank nor any homes in the vicinity were impacted.” He further emphasized the fortunate circumstances, saying, "It is surrounded by residents and that's where we were very fortunate that it didn't topple in one direction or another. The fireball was pretty much isolated.

The investigation into the crash is expected to last several days, according to Mayor Whitmire. In the meantime, some residents near the site experienced power outages, although the extent and duration of these outages are still unknown.

A nearby resident described the harrowing experience, saying, “It shook my home for a few seconds, like an earthquake.” He recounted that shortly after the initial shaking, “there was an explosion and the lights in my house flickered briefly.” The resident's account highlights the intense impact of the crash on the surrounding community.

He said, “It could have certainly fell into my house.

“I am happy that the tower fell directly straight down and didn't collide or impact with any of the houses surrounding the perimeter.”

A resident recalled, 'I was dining on the patio of a restaurant in the Greater East End neighborhood when I saw the tower collapse.'

“I heard something like fireworks and I looked up and I saw the tower flame out and completely crumble.

“Local fire and police responders arrived on the scene shortly afterward,” he said.