Four lifeless as helicopter crashes into central Houston after putting radio tower | EUROtoday

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A helicopter crashed in Houston, Texas on Sunday, killing all 4 individuals on board together with a baby.

The incident occurred close to Engelke Street and North Ennis Street simply earlier than 8pm when a helicopter slammed right into a communication tower behind properties in Houston’s Second Ward, inflicting a big explosion, mentioned mayor John Whitmire.

The explosion could possibly be heard at a fireplace station lower than half a mile from the location, he mentioned through the press convention.

The identities of the victims and their ages haven’t but been launched.

“PIO is en route to a reported helicopter crash at Engelke & Ennis,” the hearth division mentioned on X.

“The helicopter that crashed in Second Ward was not an HPD helicopter, it was a private touring helicopter,” Houston City Council member Mario Castillo mentioned on X.

The crash brought about the radio tower to break down, igniting a fireplace the scale of two to 3 blocks in a area under, a fireplace official informed the New York Times. It was the one construction broken within the incident.

Video from the scene confirmed wreckage within the space, with police and hearth officers seen attempting to maintain bystanders away from the location of crash.

“My buddy behind me told me to look up in the sky, and I just saw the cell tower crumbling down,” Manuel Arciniega, who was close by on the time of the crash, informed CNN affiliate KPRC. “They said a helicopter hit it.”

Sam Elsaadi was having dinner on the patio of a restaurant within the neighborhood when he noticed the tower collapse.

“I heard something like fireworks and I looked up and I saw the tower flame out and completely crumble,” Mr Elsaadi, 42, informed the New York Times.

When he drove to the crash web site, he noticed particles from the tower strewn throughout a big space and grass within the area on hearth.

Local media retailers reported a lot of emergency personnel had been responding to the scene.

Police and hearth officers have urged residents close to the crash web site to name 911 in the event that they discover something on their property that might assist in their investigation.

The helicopter appears to have departed from Ellington Airport, situated 17 miles south of the incident, however its vacation spot was unclear, mentioned the mayor.

“The residents are secure and safe, but we have a terrible accident scene,” he mentioned, including that some properties close to the crash web site are experiencing energy outages.

Mr Whitmire expressed his reduction that the explosion was comparatively minor, as he had been involved concerning the potential penalties because of the presence of a butane tank within the neighborhood.

Chief Noe Diaz of the Houston Police Department requested residents to keep away from touching any plane particles they could encounter.

“When daylight arrives, if you spot any aircraft components, please refrain from touching them. Instead, call 911 and inform us of their location,” Mr Diaz said.

The Federal Aviation Administration will examine the crash, mentioned the hearth division. “It will be a large investigation because of the expanse of the accident,” Mr Diaz mentioned.