HOUSTON – An NTSB investigation into a deadly helicopter crash in east Houston is now underway, according to authorities.
The Houston Fire Department says the helicopter hit a radio tower in the Second Ward shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday night.
The Robinson-44 helicopter was carrying the four people and is believed to have taken off from Ellington Field, according to officials.
One of the people on board was a child, according to Houston Police. The identities and age range of the individuals on board have not been released. However, officials said on Monday, that the families of the victims have been notified.
During a news conference on Monday afternoon, Lt. Jonathan French with the Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division said there were multiple reports of debris being discovered due to the crash.
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Authorities said they are surveying over four acres, which will include a 3D scan that would take hours. The results of those scans would be submitted as part of the investigation.
French said no homes were damaged as a result of the crash. However, some damaged vehicles were also spotted. Houston police are asking anyone who sees wreckage to call 911 and not touch it.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, which is likely to take several days before a final completed report will be released.
In a news briefing on Monday afternoon, NTSB Investigator Brian Rutt, said an outlet for witness video and statements regarding the crash to be sent to them via e-mail. Click here to e-mail your videos and statements to NTSB.
When questioned regarding if the helicopter had a flight data recorder, Rutt stated the helicopter did not have a flight data recorder, and it wasn’t required to.
NTSB officials said they expect to be on the scene for at least another full day as they are collecting evidence.
Videos from the scene
Video from the scene of the crash showed the fiery wreckage in the area of Engelke Street and N Ennis Street.
Police and fire crews were seen in the immediate aftermath trying to keep bystanders away from the wreckage.
“I just saw the cell tower crumbling down,” Manuel Arciniega who was in the area at the time of the crash.
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