This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — In the coming days, we expect to hear a lot about safety surrounding passenger planes and helicopters after a regional American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
It’s the nation’s first major commercial airline crash since 2009.
No survivors are expected from the plane crash, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said in a Thursday morning news conference. Crews switched from a search and rescue operation to a recovery mission.
ABC13 spoke with SkyEye reporter Tammy Rose about her experience flying close to airports in the Houston area.
Tammy said flying in busy airspaces, especially at night, can, “frankly, be quite scary.” She said the airspace at Reagan International Airport, where the crash happened, is very similar to that at Houston’s Hobby Airport, where SkyEye flies out of.
In Houston, the pilot’s first task is to check the conditions at Hobby Airport and surrounding airports. The pilot checks things like temporary flight restrictions, visibility, winds, and ceiling. If anything is out of place, SkyEye stays grounded.
In October of 2024, Houston had its own incident where a helicopter crashed into a radio tower, killing four people. That crash also happened in nighttime conditions.
Tammy said that when it comes to precautions when flying around other aircraft, it’s the pilot’s job to see and avoid them. That includes making sure there is a safe distance between them and the next aircraft.
If you are flying in a controlled airspace, like near Hobby Airport, the pilot gets directions from the control tower. Tammy said they generally like to keep 1,000 feet between aircraft vertically and three miles laterally, but that can all change depending on the controlled airspace.
Tammy said, in her opinion, close calls have become much too common. According to the FAA, in 2023, there were more than 300 near misses — a 25% increase over the past decade.
In 2007, Tammy said she covered a midair collision between two news media helicopters in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the recommendations that came out of the FAA investigation was to separate the pilot and reporter’s positions in the helicopter, just like ABC13 does with SkyEye.
“A lot of people don’t realize I am not the pilot. I am the reporter. My number one job, always, is to be that second set of eyes for the pilot,” Tammy said.
Tammy emphasized that the FAA and NTSB learn from these types of crashes and will eventually release a report with recommendations to make the skies safer.
“My heart just goes out to all the family and friends involved in this. Obviously, that’s always in the back of my mind when we’re up there flying,” Tammy said. “We know this can happen, so it’s just devastating circumstances what happened there at Reagan International Airport.”
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — While there hasn’t been a deadly commercial airplane crash in 15 years, it doesn’t mean there haven’t been close calls, including in Houston.
The deadly collision in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, has shaken those in the aviation industry.
“I didn’t sleep last night,” TSU aviation program executive director Terrance Fountaine recalled.
Fountaine’s overseen a program that’s grown, but his message remains the same.
“We make sure that students understand, even from the age of 18 or 19 years old, the number one thing you have to be concerned with is safety,” Fountaine said.
Before Wednesday night, there hadn’t been a deadly commercial plane crash in the U.S. in 15 years, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been close calls.
FAA data shows that there were about 1,500 runway incidents nationwide last year, a lower number than the year before.
Closer to home, the number rose. Texas is one of five states in the southwest region where the number of runway incidents climbed from 225 to 240 from 2023 to 2024.
Runway incidents don’t necessarily mean a crash happened, but it could mean someone was on the runway when they shouldn’t have been.
An investigation is underway to discover how the helicopter and airplane collided in D.C.
SkyEye reporter Tammy Rose is waiting for answers.
“I started to cry,” Rose recalled. “I’ve known way too many people in this business. People that I knew have died in airplane and helicopter crashes.”
The FAA told ABC13 it had invested money to make their runways safer. There are runway status lights at IAH.
But it’s waiting for others, including technology, to help with airplane approaches and what’s on the surface.
Rose said the pilot relies on the control tower and their eyes no matter what new technology is used.
“When we’re on final approach, I’m telling our news desk we’re making our final decent, and I won’t take any more assignments if we’re on final approach,” Rose said.
While it may take months to figure out what happened in D.C., industry experts believe one thing is certain– changes are coming.
While passengers may not notice the coming improvements, it could still change the industry.
“I’m not sure exactly who was at fault, why they were at fault, but it just goes to show you anything can happen when you’re in the air,” Fountaine explained.
This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more on this story,click here.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Thursday, volunteers joined Houston agencies to clean out an abandoned property that city leaders claim is a hotbed for crime.
According to District J City Council Member Edward Pollard, huge piles of trash, furniture, and other debris have scarred part of Rampart Street in the Gulfton area of Southwest Houston for years.
Pollard said his office was made aware of the site this year but believes it was abandoned approximately two decades earlier by a telecommunications company that owed taxes on the site.
Pollard said the site blossomed into a homeless encampment.
“There have been fires here. There have been shootings here. There have been drug sales here. It is an unsafe place,” Pollard said.
Pollard said those inhabiting the site established a complex surveillance system to tell “when law enforcement was approaching.”
Pollard said he pulled funds from his own district to clean up the camp.
In November, Houston Mayor John Whitmire called on the city to secure $70 million in funding from sustainable recurring revenue streams to combat homelessness. He said the city had largely been relying on unstable one-time funds for the issue. Most recently, the city relied on approximately $150 million in COVID funds-money that has recently or will soon dry up.
On Thursday, City Housing Director Mike Nicols told ABC13 that the city has recently allocated $3.6 million from its general fund and secured $14 million in federal funds for the initiative.
Read his full statement below.
“The City has made a grant of $3.6 million of General Funds, secured $1 million from Downtown Management District, secured $14M from HCD federal funds and is expecting Houston First Corporation board approval of an additional $2.6M. We are optimistic about subtantial funding from Metro and Harris County. The Homeless Response System was also granted $55 million in Continuum of Care Funds for FY25.
We continue to diligently pursue further funding for Year 1 and 2 of our Plan and also sustainable multi year funding to continue our efforts beyond the initial plan and expect to provide an update on this progress soon.
Addressing street homelessness requires a robust partnership and a comprehensive approach. We are confident in our ability to bring in $70million. As we make progress in ending street homelessness in Houston, Our priority is securing long-term funding, and we are encouraged by the progress we’ve made. Since Mayor Whitmire’s announcement in November, we have achieved several milestones, including the successful Allen’s Landing Initiative. This pilot involved collaboration among the City, law enforcement, local businesses, and the Coalition for the Homeless. Through a unified approach that involved soft engagement and personalized intervention, we connected 19 individuals to supportive housing and restored Allen’s Landing for public use. Each person was engaged with dignity and compassion, which is a core component of this plan.
The success of this pilot confirms that our model is effective and can be replicated to further address homelessness across our city.”
Midnight Society has announced that it will be cancelling its NFT-backed extraction shooter, DEADROP, with 55 developers affected.
Announced on the companies Twitter on Jan. 30, Midnight Society wrote:
Today we are announcing Midnight Society will be closing its doors after three incredible years, with an amazing team of over 55 developers contributing to our new IP DEADROP.
We are actively seeking other game studios that would be interested in offering employment opportunities to our talented team members.
If you know anyone who’s hiring please forward this message to them or DM us for direct intros.
We express our sincere gratitude to each and every one of our community members and deeply sorry we were unable to reach our ultimate goal.
Midnight Society was initially founded by Robert Bowling, known for his work on the famous Call of Dutyfranchise, alongside content creator Dr Disrespect. However, after a series of allegations were made against the streamer last year, the studio announced his departure.
Following these developments, Midnight Society’s leadership downplayed Guy ‘Dr Disrespect’ Beahm’s role, describing him primarily as an influencer and marketer. However, the disgraced streamer asserted that his involvement was far more significant.
DEADROP was envisioned as a ‘vertical extraction shooter’ incorporating blockchain technology and NFT-driven mechanics. Throughout its development, various streamers, professionals, and content creators were given early access but the overall experience was deemed hardly noteworthy.
U.S. President Donald Trump addresses reporters in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 30, 2025, discussing Wednesday’s fatal midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Eagle Flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2021, he has implemented a series of executive actions aimed at reshaping and downsizing the U.S. federal workforce, which numbers around 2.2 million employees. His administration’s approach has included buyouts, firing government officials, and altering key agency functions. Here’s an overview of some of the major moves:
Buyout Offers The administration offered voluntary buyouts to 2 million federal employees, allowing them to remain on payroll without working in person. Interested employees were given until February 6 to decide, sparking backlash from unions and workers who saw it as an attempt to reduce staff without due process.
Funding Freeze A memo paused a vast array of federal aid programs, potentially disrupting services ranging from healthcare to infrastructure projects. Legal challenges arose, with advocacy groups warning the freeze could devastate essential programs, particularly in states reliant on federal funding.
Firing Watchdogs Trump’s administration fired 17 inspectors general from various agencies, a move that critics argue could undermine government oversight. The dismissals were seen as an attempt to replace independent watchdogs with loyalists, although some experts contended the process violated federal law as it can only happen after informing Congress at least 30 days in advance and give a detailed reason for the firing.
Cutting Workforce Size Trump ordered federal workers to return to full-time office work and imposed a freeze on hiring, except for specific sectors like national security. He also reinstated a previous executive order, Schedule F, which would strip protections from many civil servants, making them more vulnerable to dismissal.
Reshaping Agencies At the Justice Department, senior career attorneys were reassigned, some sent to enforce Trump’s immigration policies. The administration also halted environmental litigation and paused foreign aid, except for military financing for certain countries.
FEMA Review Trump initiated a review of FEMA, criticizing its handling of disaster response and considering a reorganization or closure of the agency. This decision sparked concerns about politicizing disaster relief, particularly from critics who believe the move could harm vulnerable communities.
Diversity Programs Trump issued an executive order to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies. Federal DEI staff were placed on leave, and a review of federal contractors involved in DEI training was ordered. This move, which also targeted military diversity initiatives, faced significant pushback, with some calling it an attack on inclusion efforts.
Military Changes Trump signed orders removing DEI programs from the military, reinstating service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, and targeting policies related to transgender service members. These measures led to lawsuits from transgender rights groups, arguing that the directives violated civil rights.
Overall, the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government and realign its priorities have ignited debates about the future of federal service, government oversight, and civil rights.
A devastating midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle passenger jet Wednesday night has claimed the lives of all 67 people on board both aircraft, marking the deadliest commercial airline disaster in the U.S. since 2009.
The crash occurred as the regional jet, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The impact sent both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River, shattering the plane into multiple pieces.
President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that there were no survivors, while officials detailed that 64 passengers and three Army soldiers had been killed. The soldiers were on a routine training mission at the time of the collision.
Among the victims were 14 people returning from a national figure skating development camp, including world-renowned coaches and young athletes.
Vadim Naumov (left) and Evgenia Shishkova (right) Courtesy: The Skating Club of Boston
Victims Identified
Vadim Naumov & Evgenia Shishkova – Former world champion figure skaters and coaches at the Skating Club of Boston.
Jinna Han & Jin Han – Figure skaters associated with the club.
Spencer Lane & Molly Lane – Young skaters traveling home from the development camp.
Alexandr Kirsanov – A beloved figure skating coach who was traveling with two of his students.
Jinna Han. Courtesy: The Skating Club of BostonSpencer Lane. Courtesy: The Skating Club of Boston
Natalya Gudin, Kirsanov’s wife and fellow coach, expressed her heartbreak: “I lost everything—my husband, my students, my friends.”
The U.S. Figure Skating organization released a statement mourning the loss, calling it an “unspeakable tragedy” and pledging support for the affected families.
Authorities continue investigating the cause of the collision.
San Jacinto College has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Salvador Serrano Jr. as the first Hispanic male trustee to serve on its board. A lifetime resident of Pasadena, Texas, Serrano brings a wealth of experience, cultural heritage, and community commitment to his new role. His journey from Pasadena ISD schools to becoming a business owner and community leader serves as an inspiration to the diverse student population of San Jacinto College.
Using Cultural Heritage to Inspire
Serrano’s deep ties to Pasadena and his bilingual abilities position him as a strong advocate for Latino students and families.
“As a lifetime resident of Pasadena, I have a deep understanding of the community and its rich diversity,” Serrano shared.
Recognizing that San Jacinto College serves a multifaceted population, Serrano is committed to breaking language barriers and fostering inclusivity.
“Education can have a profound impact on our community,” he said.
“As a bilingual trustee, I believe that being able to communicate in multiple languages enables me to better connect with our residents and address any potential language barriers.”
Serrano’s focus will be on ensuring students have access to the resources and support needed to succeed, building an environment where cultural diversity is celebrated.
Supporting First-Generation Students
San Jacinto College is home to many first-generation college students, a group Serrano is particularly passionate about. Programs like The Promise @San Jac scholarship, which provides debt-free education to high school graduates within the college’s taxing district, align closely with Serrano’s vision.
“Initiatives like The Promise are designed to address barriers and create pathways for success,” Serrano explained.
Beyond scholarships, the college offers wrap-around services such as mental health support, childcare, and flexible class scheduling. Dual credit and early college high school programs further ease the transition to higher education, with 7,500 high school students annually earning college credits through these initiatives. Serrano’s leadership aims to expand such programs and deepen their impact on Latino students and their families.
Motivating Through Personal Experience
Serrano’s personal story—from attending Pasadena ISD schools to becoming a successful business owner—is a testament to the transformative power of education.
“Growing up in Pasadena has given me a unique perspective on the needs of our community,” he said.
His experience as a business owner has shown him the importance of accessible education and career development resources.
Serrano also highlighted the college’s Small Business Development Centers and the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Generation Park Campus as vital resources for local entrepreneurs.
“These initiatives provide valuable support, and I encourage community members to take advantage of them,” he noted.
Building Partnerships for Student Success
Through his leadership roles in initiatives like Pasadena Loves Local, Serrano has demonstrated the power of collaboration.
“Effective partnerships… enhance our ability to serve the community,” he said.
“When we work together towards a common goal, we are often able to achieve more than we could have alone,” he added. “This approach not only enhances our ability to serve the community, but it also makes the work more enjoyable.”
San Jacinto College’s active participation in 15 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, including the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, enables the institution to stay connected with industry leaders and local businesses.
Serrano plans to leverage these connections to inform strategic planning and ensure students are prepared for workforce demands.
“By participating on these Boards and engaging with community partners at their events, we are able to gather valuable insights into the community’s needs and concerns, which helps inform our decision-making and strategic planning,” Serrano shared. “ This interactive approach enables us to forge stronger relationships with the community and contribute more effectively to its advancement.”
Ensuring Representation in Leadership
Representation matters, and Serrano’s appointment underscores San Jacinto College’s commitment to diversity in leadership.
“As a trustee, I am committed to being a voice for the people I represent,” Serrano affirmed.
He aims to prioritize initiatives that support transfer to four-year institutions, workforce readiness, and financial stability for students.
Serrano’s dedication to putting students first aligns with the college’s recognition as one of the top 10 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute.
“Our focus on students has been a key factor in achieving this distinction.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Pasadena
Salvador Serrano’s deep-rooted connection to Pasadena is evident in his extensive community involvement. From serving as the Past President of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation to leading The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Serrano has consistently championed initiatives that uplift his hometown.
“As someone who is committed to giving back to my community, I am humbled by the opportunities I have had to make a positive impact in Pasadena and beyond. As a San Jacinto College trustee, I understand the value of education in breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for individuals from all walks of life.”
As a father of two sons currently attending Pasadena ISD schools, his commitment to education and community service is both personal and profound.
With Salvador Serrano on the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, the future looks bright for Latino students and the community as a whole. His leadership promises to inspire the next generation to overcome barriers, pursue their dreams, and build a better future for all.
WASHINGTON — A regional American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night in the nation’s first major commercial airline crash since 2009.
No survivors are expected from the plane crash, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said in a Thursday morning news conference.
Crews have switched from a search and rescue operation to a recovery mission.
Twenty-eight bodies have been recovered, including 27 from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter, Donnelly said.
Emergency divers respond after a passenger aircraft collided with a helicopter, in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
A source emphasized to ABC News that there has been a desperate attempt to find victims alive.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines flight 5342, which can hold up to 70 passengers. It departed from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA.
The Army helicopter, which had three soldiers on board, was on an “annual proficiency training flight” at the time of the crash, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in a video message.
“It was a fairly experienced crew that was doing a required annual night evaluation,” Hegseth said. “They did have night vision goggles.”
It was based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, according to an Army official. “We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” the official said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said preliminary information indicates that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the airport.
Officials said the American Airlines aircraft’s fuselage has been located in three difference sections of the river in waist-deep water. It was found “inverted.”
The black boxes from the plane have not been recovered, a source with direct knowledge told ABC News.
Map of the area around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the layout of Runway 33, at the time a regional jet and Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, officials say.ABC News, Flightradar24.com
The water temperature in the Potomac River is approximately 36 degrees, and the air temperature at the time of the crash was 50 degrees with winds gusting 25 to 30 mph.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash, the FAA said, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Runway operations at the airport resumed around 11 a.m. Thursday.
President Donald Trump released a statement on social media about the crash seeming to question the actions of the helicopter pilots and Air Traffic Control.
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn,” Trump posted on his platform Truth Social. “Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
Asked about Trump’s comments, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters Thursday, “To back up with the president said, what I’ve seen so far — do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.”
An American Airlines regional jet crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Airport in DC after colliding with a military helicopter, officials said.
Duffy said that “everything was standard in the lead up to the crash.”
“It is not standard to have aircraft collide. Want to be clear on that, but prior to the collision, the flight paths that were being flown from the military and from American that was not unusual for what happens in the D.C. airspace,” Duffy added.
Duffy also said that there was no breakdown of communication.
Officials did not give any information on the flight history and experience of pilots on both aircraft, but did say that the captain had over six years of experience with the airline and the first officer had almost two years.
Figure skaters, coaches among passengers aboard jet that collided with helicopter over DC
Figure skaters and coaches returning from the recent U.S. national championships were aboard the American Airlines flight, officials said.
Zeghibe said among the group of skaters, six were from the Skating Club of Boston, along with two coaches, two teenage athletes and athletes’ moms. Zeghibe identified the two coaches as Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The two were 1994 World Pair Champions who joined the club in 2017, Zeghibe said.
“Six is a horrific number for us but we’re fortunate and grateful it wasn’t more than six,” Zeghibe said. “This will have long reaching impacts for our skating community.”
Zeghibe emphasized how tight-knit the skating community is and that “everyone is like family.”
“We are devastated and completely at a loss for words,” Zeghibe said.
NTSB leading investigation of mid-air collision: Official
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation of the deadly mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk helicopter, according to a statement from Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.
Ron McLendon II, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, said the U.S. Army and the Federal Aviation Administration will assist with the investigation.
“The NTSB will lead the investigation. We are working with local officials and will provide any additional information once it becomes available,” McLendon said.
Boats work the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va.AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Officials respond to crash
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said an immediate investigation has been launched, calling the incident “Absolutely tragic.”
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted on X that he is at FAA headquarters and “closely monitoring the situation.” The Department of Homeland Security said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has also been briefed on the crash and is monitoring the situation.
Vice President JD Vance posted on X, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Former President Joe Biden said he and the former first lady were “praying for for the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the plane and helicopter crash near DCA.”
Former President Barrack Obama said in a statement that the Obama’s “hearts break for the families who lost loved ones.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson posted to X saying, “I’m deeply saddened to learn about the horrific tragedy at Reagan National Airport. Please join me in praying for everyone involved as well as our first responders.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said on X that “extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts” following the crash.
“First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly,” he said. “I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.
In somber remarks at a news conference early Thursday morning, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall suggested he feared the passengers and crew aboard a regional American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter that collided were lost.
“When one person dies, it’s a tragedy,” Marshall said. “But when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow … It’s really hard when you lose, you know, probably over 60 Kansans, simultaneously.”
Speaking of the pilots, flight attendants and military personnel, Marshall added, “All those lives are so valuable, and it is such a tragedy that we lost them.”
Fellow Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran said he knows the flight pattern of Flight 5342 well.
“I’ve flown it many times myself,” Moran said, adding that he lobbied American Airlines to add direct, nonstop flight service from Wichita to Reagan National.
Direct flights from Wichita National Airport to DCA launched a year ago, said Jesse Romo, Wichita’s director of airports.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement about the crash of Flight 5342 over the Potomac River on Wednesday night as it approached Reagan National Airport.
“First and most importantly I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events,” Isom said.
He said the airline is fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board and working with federal, state and local authorities on the response to the crash. The airline is sending a “go team” to D.C. and Isom said he will join them shortly and that the
“We want to learn everything we can about today’s events,” Isom said. “That work will take time.”
The Wichita National Airport has activated an incident and support team to help within the terminal to provide families with information, according to Romo.
Romo called the crash “devastating” during a press briefing tonight and said he believes there are family members of those aboard the American Airlines flight already at the airport seeking any updates.
If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
DC plane crash marks first major commercial crash in US since 2009
The crash involving a regional aircraft and a Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday marks the first major commercial crash in the United States since 2009.
There have been other deadly incidents in the U.S., such as the Asiana runway crash at San Francisco International Airport in 2013. Three people died when Flight 214 came in to the airport too low and too slow, hit a seawall and sheared the tail section and left engine off the plane as it spun down the runway.
Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul, South Korea, crashed while landing at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday.Photo submitted via uReport by Hasani Sinclair
One of the three who was killed was run over by an emergency vehicle responding to the crash.
Nearly 200 people were also injured in that crash, which was blamed on the Asiana Airlines pilots mismanaging the autopilot system, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The last fatality on a plane in the U.S. came in 2018 when a woman was partially sucked out of a Southwest Airlines window.
Passenger Jennifer Riordan died in that incident, when Flight 1380 suffered engine failure and had to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia.
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and Houston Parks Board broke ground on three new projects aimed at improving accessibility and safety along Brays Bayou Greenway. The initiative will expand or enhance 4.4 miles of trails and add seven new underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists.
“These new trails are more than just a way to connect neighborhoods; they are about connecting people—to each other, to nature, and to opportunities for recreation and well-being,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones in a statement.
“With safer pathways and greater accessibility, this project ensures that families and residents of all ages can enjoy the Brays Bayou Greenway. The Captain Herod Memorial Plaza honors a true hero and the sacrifices made to protect our community. I am grateful to the Houston Parks Board for its continued collaboration in improving the quality of life for the residents of our Precinct 4.”
A key feature of the project is the creation of the Captain Gary L. Herod Memorial Plaza, honoring the Texas Air National Guard pilot who sacrificed his life in 1961 to prevent a catastrophic crash in a residential area. Located near Mullins Drive, the plaza will include landscaping, lighting, benches, and commemorative signage.
Precinct 4 has contributed $3.8 million from its Places 4 People initiative, with HPB providing the remaining $2.8 million. “These new trails are about more than just connectivity—they bring people together, enhance recreation, and improve quality of life,” said Commissioner Briones.
The project includes:
A new one-mile, 10-foot-wide trail north of Brays Bayou between Chimney Rock and Hillcroft, connecting to the Atwell pedestrian bridge.
The Captain Herod Memorial Plaza near Mullins Drive.
An ADA-accessible trail connecting to the METRO bus stop at Mullins Drive.
Four new underpasses and low-water trails at S. Rice Avenue, Chimney Rock Road, Hillcroft Avenue, and N/S Braeswood Boulevard.
Replacement of an existing 8-foot-wide asphalt trail with a 10-foot-wide concrete path between Fondren and Braeburn Glen, with three additional underpasses at Fondren Road, Braes Bayou Drive, and Bissonnet Street.
HPB will oversee the project, with B&D Contractors, Inc. handling construction and LJA Engineering managing the design for the first segment.
Once completed, these improvements will contribute to a fully connected 54-kilometer Brays Bayou Greenway, stretching from Archbishop Fiorenza Park in west Houston to the Ship Channel in the east.
