Local News
One victim killed in Houston helicopter crash identified as Cesar Lerma
One of the four victims who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash that occurred Sunday night in Houston has been identified as Cesar Lerma.
Lerma was a passenger on the National Helicopter Solutions helicopter, which was conducting a night tour over the city.
Garrett Kauffman, a colleague and competitor, shared his condolences and expressed his admiration for Lerma’s skills as a craftsman.
Kauffman described Lerma as a master of his craft, highlighting his recent contribution to a project by removing panels from RTS cabinets to allow for the installation of glass.
Kauffman praised Lerma’s exceptional craftsmanship and his ability to create custom cabinets that exceeded his expectations.
He expressed regret for not having been a better friend to Lerma and fondly remembered his patience and gentle personality.
Lerma is survived by his two sons, who are believed to have joined him in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Kauffman will miss Lerma and cherish the memories they shared.
A tragic helicopter crash occurred near Engelke and Ennis in Houston at approximately 7:54 PM, according to the Houston Fire Department.
During a media briefing, Mayor John Whitmire confirmed that the crash claimed the lives of four individuals, including a child.
The helicopter, an R44 private aircraft, was traveling from Ellington Airport.
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
No Survivors After Small Plane Crashes in Flames at Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. โ Authorities are responding to a small aircraft crash in Lake of the Ozarks State Park after the plane went down near Public Beach Drive on Tuesday, November 3. Officials say no survivors are expected.
Osage Beach Mayor Richard Ross said he received information from city staff indicating that at least two people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed.
According to Ross, the plane had taken off from Lee C. Fine Airport, located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The aircraft reportedly crashed a short time after departure and was found engulfed in flames.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that troopers were responding to the incident. At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, Troop F reported that the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames near Public Beach Drive in Camden County.
Public Beach Drive is located southwest of Lee C. Fine Airport, the reported departure point of the aircraft.
Airport personnel were unable to provide additional information about the crash.
The number and identities of those aboard have not been officially confirmed in the information currently available. Authorities have also not released details about the aircraft, the circumstances leading up to the crash, or the cause of the incident.
Emergency crews are responding as the investigation continues. Additional information, including official confirmation of fatalities and victim identities, is expected to be released by authorities.