3 dead, including infant, in helicopter crash on rural street in Louisiana

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

The crash took place on Friday night in the town of Iowa, prompting local law enforcement, local firefighters and the Louisiana State Police to respond to the scene, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory reported.

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

Three people were on board, Rick Breitenfeldt, a FAA spokesperson told USA TODAY on Monday morning.

Couple, infant killed in helicopter crash on rural street

A male, female and infant died in the crash, Guillory told KFDM-TV, and the aircraft appeared to be personal helicopter.

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

No other injuries were reported.

The victims’ identities were not immediately released.

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

The cause of the crash remained under investigation on Monday by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, who will head the investigation.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.