Four Killed as Helicopter Crashes into Unlit Radio Tower in Houston's Second Ward

Oct 21, 2024, 03:43 AM

A helicopter crashed into a 1,011-foot radio tower in Houston's Second Ward on Sunday night, causing a large fire and resulting in multiple fatalities, including a child. The incident occurred around 7:51 p.m. when the helicopter struck the unlit tower near Engelke and Ennis Streets, close to Minute Maid Park. The tower, which transmits signals for KQUE-FM, was reportedly unlit due to inoperative lights as per an FAA notice issued on October 16th. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and officials, including Mayor John Whitmire, confirmed that all four people onboard were killed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are investigating the crash. The collision caused at least two radio stations to go off the air. No injuries were reported on the ground.