NAIJA NEWS
In a tragic incident on Sunday evening, four people, including a child, lost their lives when a privately owned R44 helicopter collided with a radio tower in Houston, Texas.
The crash occurred shortly after the helicopter took off from Ellington Field, located approximately 15 miles from the site of the accident, at around 7:45 PM local time.
Houston authorities reported that all four victims were aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among those on the ground.
The incident raised concerns, as it occurred near a butane tank in a residential area, which could have resulted in even greater damage and loss of life.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed his condolences, stating, “HFD Station 17 was right down the street from where the helicopter hit the radio tower and was at the scene within minutes. This is a tragic event tonight; it’s a tragic loss of life.”
The collision with the radio tower ignited a fire that spread over two to three blocks, prompting a swift response from the Houston Fire Department, who worked quickly to extinguish the flames.
The crash site is located near the intersection of Engelke Street and N. Ennis Street, just five minutes from Minute Maid Park, the home field of the Houston Astros.
