Tragic Helicopter Crash in Houston Kills Four, Including a Child

A devastating helicopter crash in a residential neighborhood of Houston on Sunday night resulted in the deaths of four people, including a child.

The helicopter, a Robinson R44, collided with a radio tower around 8 p.m. CT, authorities confirmed.

The aircraft had departed from Ellington Airport when it went down under unexplained circumstances. A fire broke out at the crash site, according to Brian Rutt, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local officials, is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

“It’s a complicated scene, and we are meticulously gathering evidence,” Rutt stated, adding that the helicopter did not have a black box flight recorder.

Preliminary NTSB reports indicate that the helicopter was on an air tour when it struck the tower. The wreckage covers an area of at least four acres, according to Houston Police Department Lt. Jonathan French. Though power outages occurred nearby, there were no injuries or damage reported on the ground.

Authorities are urging residents to report any crash debris they come across. “Any debris is part of the investigation. Please avoid touching it,” Lt. French cautioned.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.