A devastating helicopter crash in Houston’s Second Ward left four people dead, including a child, on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The tragic incident occurred when the aircraft collided with a radio tower, sparking a massive explosion and sending the tower crumbling to the ground.
Security footage captured by local resident Jay Marroquin showed the helicopter heading straight for the tower, which appeared to have only one flashing light at the top. The impact was instantaneous, followed by a huge explosion.
The Houston Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving at the scene minutes after the crash. Mayor John Whitmire and authorities held a late-night press conference to update the public on the investigation.
“This is a tragic event tonight, it’s a tragic loss of life,” Whitmire said. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz explained that the helicopter was traveling from Ellington Field to an unknown destination when the accident occurred.
The next morning, the Houston Police Department confirmed the four fatalities, including a child. The identities of the deceased have not been released. Authorities warned the public to avoid touching any debris from the crash and to notify the police or fire department instead.
MYSTUDIO HTX security camera caught the moment a helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston's Second Ward, East End at 7:51:19 PM. #helicopter #helicoptercrash #houston #breaking #breakingnews #houston #secondward #mystudiohtx #jaymarroquin @KHOU @abc13houston @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/rap61Xr0XN
— Jay Marroquin (@JayMarroquin) October 21, 2024
Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured, and surrounding structures suffered no additional damage. However, a 100-200 yard area of grass was burned in the resulting fire, which has since been extinguished.
The helicopter, used for private touring, has been identified, and authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Notably, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a notice to pilots days before the crash, stating that the radio tower’s lights were “unserviceable” until the end of October.
The FAA guidelines emphasize the importance of proper lighting and marking for towers above 200 feet. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released in the coming days.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we extend our deepest condolences for their loss.
