The NYPD reports a helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River, resulting in six fatalities. Witnesses describe a horrifying scene as the helicopter lost control shortly after takeoff from Manhattan.
Tragic Hudson River Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives
Tragic Hudson River Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives
A helicopter crash into the Hudson River leaves all six onboard dead, prompting an ongoing investigation.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed the tragic crash of a helicopter into the Hudson River that resulted in the deaths of all six individuals onboard. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, which unfolded shortly after a sightseeing excursion began.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from Downtown Skyport in Manhattan at 14:59 local time (19:59 BST). According to Flightradar24, the aircraft remained airborne for approximately 15 minutes, initially heading toward the Statue of Liberty before veering north toward the George Washington Bridge. Subsequently, the helicopter turned back down the Hudson River, ultimately crashing near a pier in Hoboken, New Jersey, at 15:15 local time (20:15 BST). NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that the helicopter was upside-down upon hitting the water.
Eyewitness Bruce Wall described a harrowing scene, stating, "It started falling apart in mid-air and then the tail came off and then just flipped over in mid-air and started falling to the ground."
Of the six passengers, reports indicate that a family visiting from Spain was onboard, consisting of two adults and three children alongside an American pilot. Despite immediate rescue efforts by dive teams and police boats, four victims were declared dead at the crash site, while two others succumbed to their injuries after being transported to local hospitals.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, but preliminary statements from Commissioner Tisch suggest the aircraft "lost control" shortly before impacting the water, which occurred mere feet from a nearby pier. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the helicopter was a Bell 206, and both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting investigations, with the NTSB taking the lead.
This incident marks the deadliest helicopter crash in New York City since 2018, a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with aviation activities.
