‘Please notify an officer:’ Houston PD says deadly helicopter crash site spans nearly 4 acres, be careful of debris

HOUSTON – Houston Police Department commanders provided a public safety update Monday regarding the helicopter crash that occurred in the city’s Second Ward, leaving four people dead, including a child.

The crash happened Sunday night when the helicopter struck a radio tower near 300 North Ennis St.

Officials praised the quick response of emergency crews.

“I want to start off by praising our fire department for a quick response. They were here almost immediately,” HPD’s J.L. French said during the news conference. The crash occurred near HFD Station 17, allowing firefighters to arrive on the scene within minutes.

French provided an update on the crash site, stating, “We’re looking at approximately four acres of coverage, though that could expand as the investigation continues.”

BACKGROUND: ‘A tragic loss of life’: 4, including child, killed after helicopter hits radio tower, crashes in Houston’s East End

He added that crews will be conducting a three-dimensional scan of the area, which is expected to take 4 to 5 hours or longer.

The investigation spans around four acres and authorities are asking residents to avoid disturbing any crash remains.

“What I would ask is if you see debris, please notify an officer or call 911,” French added.

French expressed relief that the situation wasn’t worse, saying, “We’re all thankful. All of our officers are thankful. The neighborhood is pretty thankful. This could have been much worse.” He added, “By the grace of God, no one on the ground was injured.”

He reminded the public to keep the families and victims in mind during this “horrible tragedy” and mentioned that road closures might extend beyond the expected 4 to 5 hours as the vehicular crimes division conducts its investigation.

What happened?

The Houston Fire Department said the crash happened at about 7:54 p.m. on the city’s East End.

According to Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, the helicopter had taken off from Ellington Field and was headed to an unknown destination when it crashed.

HPD confirmed Monday morning that 4 people, including a child, are believed to have been on the helicopter that crashed.

“We don’t know the age ranges yet, but that we are pretty sure,” Diaz said.

Authorities say there may be pieces of the helicopter that people find when the sun comes up in the morning. They are asking anyone who may come across these pieces not to touch it and to contact police or firefighters so they can come retrieve it.

No one on the ground was hurt from the crash and the collapse of the tower which was hit. No structures on the ground other than the tower were damaged.

The FAA, NTSB, DPS, HPD, and HFD are all investigating the crash.