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 Muรฑoz, 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.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. โ A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.