Local News
New Video shows beacon lights working before helicopter crashes into Houston radio tower
All four individuals on board the helicopter, including a child, lost their lives in the crash.
A tragic helicopter crash occurred on Sunday night near Engelke Street in downtown Houston, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a child.
The Houston Fire Department (HFD) received a report of the crash around 7:55 PM, which ignited a fire near the radio tower. Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene.
The helicopter, an R44 private aircraft, was traveling from Ellington Airport. The destination of the flight remains unclear.
All four individuals on board the helicopter, including a child, lost their lives in the crash.
Their identities have not been released, and family members have yet to be notified.
Mayor John Whitmire, HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz, HPD Chief Noe Diaz, and DPS officials gathered for a press conference following the incident.
Mayor Whitmire commended the rapid response of the HFD, noting that a nearby fire station was able to reach the scene within minutes.
The fire caused by the crash burned approximately 100 to 200 yards of grass near the radio tower. However, the fire was successfully extinguished, and there is no threat to the community.
Officials are urging residents to avoid touching any debris from the helicopter and to immediately call 911 if they discover any components.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the HFD, and the HPD are investigating the cause of the crash.
It is important to note that the radio tower’s lights had been reported as inoperable on October 16th.
A rare magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck near Shreveport, Louisiana, on January 18, 2025, at 8:12 p.m. UTC, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 2 kilometers south-southwest of Mooringsport, Louisiana, at coordinates 32.668°N, 93.967°W.
It occurred at a depth of 5.0 kilometers (3.1 miles), which is considered shallow and may have contributed to the tremor being felt across the region.
This seismic event is notable for occurring in Louisiana, a state not typically associated with significant tectonic activity.
Residents in the vicinity of Mooringsport and parts of Shreveport reported feeling light shaking. However, there have been no immediate reports of injuries, structural damage, or disruptions to infrastructure.
While earthquakes of this magnitude are generally mild, they can occasionally cause minor damage, particularly when occurring at shallow depths. Louisiana’s geology, largely composed of sedimentary rock and expansive river systems, typically experiences little tectonic activity compared to regions along major fault lines.
The USGS has classified the earthquake as a rare event for this area and will continue to monitor for any aftershocks or additional seismic activity.
Residents are encouraged to report their experiences through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” platform, which helps scientists better understand the effects of earthquakes in various regions.
This event serves as a reminder that while uncommon, seismic activity can occur even in geologically stable regions.
It highlights the importance of basic preparedness and awareness for natural events, regardless of a location’s typical seismic activity levels.