Politics
Several Dead After Helicopter Plunges Into NYC River
On Thursday afternoon a Bell 206 helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. The victims included a family of five tourists from Spain—two adults and three children—along with the pilot.
The helicopter departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at approximately 2:59 p.m. Shortly before 3:30 p.m., witnesses observed the aircraft breaking apart mid-air before crashing into the river.
Dani Horbiak, a local resident, recounted hearing “five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots” before seeing debris fall and the helicopter descend into the water according to ABC7.
Emergency responders from both New York and New Jersey, including the FDNY and Hoboken Fire Department, swiftly arrived at the scene. Despite their rapid response, all six occupants were found deceased.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter suffered structural failures mid-flight, leading to its catastrophic descent.
WATCH:
JUST IN: 6 people are confirmed to be deceased in the Hudson River helicopter crash, according to the Associated Press.
The chopper’s propeller was seen detached from the helicopter, spinning into the water.
According to a witness who spoke with NBC, the chopper blade just… pic.twitter.com/EMpWMJC9el
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 10, 2025
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the event as “heartbreaking and tragic,” urging the public to avoid the area near Pier 40 in Manhattan.
Federal authorities are launching a full investigation after a helicopter crash in the Hudson River near Manhattan.
The team is on the scene at the heartbreaking and tragic crash in the Hudson River.@FDNY and @NYPDnews are assisting first responders closer to the New Jersey side of the river. Please avoid the area near Pier 40 in Manhattan in the meantime. pic.twitter.com/JxmMmhq6xH
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 10, 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed, “The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate.” The NTSB is taking the lead on the case and will release further details as the probe continues: “The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.”
Weather does not appear to have played a role in the incident, and the crash occurred less than a mile from Manhattan, close to the heavily trafficked Holland Tunnel—where over 15 million vehicles travel each year between New Jersey and New York City according to Fox News.
In response to the crash, the U.S. Coast Guard established a safety zone spanning one mile north and one mile south of the Holland Tunnel along the Hudson River. Ferry service along the river, particularly north of Jersey City, is expected to be disrupted.
Local law enforcement is also warning of delays. “Due to a helicopter crash in the Hudson River, in the vicinity of the West Side Highway and Spring Street, expect emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the surrounding areas,” the NYPD said in a statement.
The tragedy adds to a series of aviation accidents over the Hudson River in recent years. Notably, in 2009, a mid-air collision between a sightseeing helicopter and a small private plane resulted in nine fatalities.
Additionally, in 2018, a charter helicopter offering “open door” flights crashed into the East River, claiming the lives of five passengers. These events have raised ongoing concerns about the safety of low-altitude flights in the densely populated New York metropolitan area.
This is a developing story…
