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3 dead, including toddler, in helicopter crash in Louisiana

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after three people, including a toddler, died in a helicopter crash in southwest Louisiana.

The accident occurred Friday evening in the Iowa city, prompting local law enforcement, local firefighters and Louisiana State Police to respond to the scene, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory reported.

According to the FAA, a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed on a rural road in the city, about 60 miles directly east of Lafayette near Lake Charles, around 9 p.m.

Three people were on board, Rick Breitenfeldt, an FAA spokesman, told USA TODAY Monday morning.

Couple and toddler killed in helicopter crash on country road

The crash killed a man, a woman and an infant, Guillory told KFDM-TV, and the plane appeared to be a private helicopter.

It was not immediately known where the helicopter took off or where it was headed.

No other injuries were reported.

The identities of the victims were not immediately released.

USA TODAY has reached out to the sheriff's office.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation Monday by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the investigation.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

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