Helicopter crashes in Houston’s Second Ward after hitting radio tower killing 4, officials say

In this screengrab from Handout video, a helicopter hits a radio tower and crashes in Houston, Texas, U.S., on October 20, 2024. , Photo credit: Jay Marroquin/MiStudio Reuters via HTX

“A helicopter reportedly crashed after hitting a radio tower in Houston on Sunday (October 20, 2024), killing four people, including a child,” fire officials said.

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

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

“The PIO is en route to a reported helicopter crash at Engelke and Ennis,” the fire department said on Sunday (October 20, 2024) evening.

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

Local media outlets reported large numbers of emergency personnel arriving at the scene.

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