A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Houston on the evening of October 20, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a child.

The Robinson R44 helicopter took off from Ellington Airport, approximately 17 miles from the crash site, but its intended destination remains unclear.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are conducting investigations into the crash.

The incident took place just before 8 p.m. in the Greater East End neighborhood, where the helicopter collided with a radio tower.

The crash led to a significant fire that spread for three blocks before being controlled, igniting a blaze that consumed about 100 to 200 yards of grass.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised the emergency responders for their swift action in managing the incident and noted that the situation could have been worse.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the ground, as the crash occurred in a residential area and there were no occupants in the tower at the time.

Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz indicated that the helicopter may have struck a cable supporting the tower or collided directly with the tower itself.

A notice from the FAA issued shortly before the crash warned that some lights on the radio tower were inoperable, raising safety concerns.

The crash site was described as a 'terrible accident scene,' with both the helicopter and the radio tower completely destroyed.

Officials emphasized that the crash could have had more severe consequences due to the proximity of a gas tank to the site.

The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been disclosed, and the investigation is expected to be extensive due to the nature of the accident.