Houston helicopter crash: 'Multiple fatalities' reported

HOUSTON - A helicopter crash just east of downtown Houston led to "multiple fatalities" on Sunday night, according to officials.

The Houston Fire Department says the helicopter hit a radio tower in the Second Ward shortly before 8 p.m.

The R44 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. 

Officials do not believe anyone on the ground was hurt or killed.

(Courtesy: OnScene TV)

Video from the scene of the crash shows 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.

Houston officials say the scene has been secured. Both the tower and helicopter were destroyed. No residences were damaged, but a large area of grass was burned, according to Houston Fire.

"We are fortunate that it wasn't worse, just in terms that there was a butane tank, a gas tank, near the crash scene," said Mayor John Whitmire.

Houston police are asking anyone who sees wreckage to call 911 and not touch it.

The FAA, NTSB and DPS will investigate the crash.

The investigation is expected to take several days.

This is a developing story. Check back with FOX 26 for more information.