A tragic helicopter crash occurred Thursday in New York's Hudson River, resulting in six fatalities, as reported by the city's Police Department on social media. The victims included a Spanish tourist family—parents with three children—alongside the pilot, according to ABC7.
Stunning footage captured the helicopter plunging rapidly into the river. The incident took place around 3:15 p.m. local time, near the intersection of West Side Highway and Spring Street. Weather conditions were unfavorable, with rain complicating the situation.
Emergency teams quickly arrived on scene, while police warned of potential traffic delays in the vicinity. Initially, four individuals were pulled from the water and taken to a New Jersey hospital, but ultimately, all six onboard were pronounced dead, reported NBC4 citing police sources.
Witnesses took to social media, describing a "loud thud" at the moment of impact and spotting what seemed to be a broken rotor. The helicopter remained afloat in the Hudson, close to the Holland Tunnel vents near Jersey City.
Upon the arrival of emergency responders, the aircraft was found upside down in the water. The FAA identified the helicopter as a Bell 206, which reportedly departed Manhattan's downtown heliport at 2:59 p.m. and vanished from radar by 3:25 p.m.
A witness relayed to Eyewitness News the sight of the crash: "I heard a loud crack... Looked over... and saw a helicopter flip over and go into the water," they recounted. "I didn't see anyone come out," they added.
Dani Horbiack shared with ABC News that she observed the helicopter "fall from the sky" through her apartment window. "I heard five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots in the sky and saw pieces falling, then I saw it plunge into the river," Horbiack described.
The Coast Guard has halted boat traffic in the area and is involved in the ongoing response efforts. Since 1977, at least 32 people have perished in helicopter accidents in New York, according to U.S. media reports. The latest incident prior to this was in 2019, involving a helicopter used for executive travel that crashed on a Manhattan skyscraper's roof in restricted airspace, resulting in the pilot's death.
The Hudson River, a major navigation channel in the region, also witnessed the famed "Miracle on the Hudson" in 2009, when a US Airways plane successfully ditched, saving all 155 passengers onboard.
FAQs about the Hudson River Helicopter Crash
What caused the helicopter to crash in the Hudson River?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but adverse weather conditions with rain at the time may have contributed to the incident.
Who were the victims in the helicopter crash?
The victims included a family of Spanish tourists—two parents and their three children—and the pilot of the helicopter.
How many helicopter accidents have occurred in New York City?
Since 1977, there have been at least 32 fatalities due to helicopter accidents in New York City.