Local News
Officials Identify Victims of Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Kinney-Uvalde County Line
KINNEY COUNTY, TX – Authorities have identified the victims of a fatal helicopter crash that occurred Thursday afternoon near the Kinney-Uvalde County line in Southwest Texas.
The Kinney County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that William Garrett Robertson was the pilot, and Earle Blakely Hunnicutt was the passenger on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. and involved a Robinson R44 helicopter.
The aircraft went down west of Uvalde, near U.S. Highway 90, in the vicinity of Harris Ranch.
First responders, including law enforcement and emergency personnel, arrived at the scene, but both individuals on board succumbed to their injuries.
Officials are still working to confirm who was actively piloting the helicopter at the time of the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, and a preliminary report is expected to be released Friday.
This report is expected to include details such as the aircraft registration number and additional information about its operation.
Owners of Harris Ranch Uvalde, where the helicopter reportedly crashed, have confirmed that no individuals associated with Hometown Heroes Outdoors—a nonprofit organization that provides hunting excursions for first responders and veterans—were on board at the time of the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — 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.