Helicopter crash claims six lives, sparks multi-agency response

File Source: X

In a devastating incident Thursday afternoon, a sightseeing helicopter carrying a family of five and a pilot crashed into the Hudson River near Hoboken, New Jersey, killing all six on board. The crash prompted a massive and swift emergency response from multiple New York City and federal agencies.

Mayor Eric Adams, flanked by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, and other top city officials, briefed the media from Pier 40, just hours after the Bell 206 aircraft went down in the river.

“Our hearts go out to the family of those who are on board,” said Mayor Adams. “All six victims have been removed from the water, and sadly, all six victims have been pronounced deceased. We’re lifting their families up in prayer.”

According to preliminary reports, the helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, took off from the downtown Manhattan heliport at 2:59 p.m. It was carrying a pilot and a family visiting from Spain — two adults and three children. By 3:17 p.m., multiple 911 calls began flooding in, reporting that the aircraft had crashed into the river just off the coast of Pier A Park in Hoboken.

“It’s almost reminiscent of the plane going down here on the Hudson River,” Adams recalled, referencing the 2009 ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ landing. “But thank God we didn’t lose any lives back then.”

FDNY and NYPD harbor units responded within minutes. Divers from both agencies entered the water and retrieved all six victims. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining two were rushed to local hospitals, where they later died from their injuries.

“The operation was a joint effort between the FDNY and the NYPD,” said Fire Commissioner Tucker. “Our rescue swimmers were in the water shortly after the call. This tragic day shows how the spirit of cooperation between our departments is alive both on the streets and in the water.”

Commissioner Tisch added, “NYPD units from Aviation, Harbor, Scuba, and Patrol all responded… Our NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site and FDNY divers recovered an additional two. Immediate life-saving measures were undertaken… Sadly, all six succumbed to their injuries.”

Flight tracking software showed that the helicopter flew south after takeoff, turned north along the Manhattan shoreline, reached the George Washington Bridge at 3:08 p.m., then circled back down the New Jersey side before crashing. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft invert and strike the water with the cabin exposed.

As reporters pressed for answers, Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch stressed that the investigation is still in its early stages. “We don’t have that information at this time,” Adams responded to a question about the crash cause. “This is fresh, all this is preliminary and we’re going to look into that.”

Fire Commissioner Tucker confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FBI are leading the investigation, alongside local authorities. “The entire incident is under investigation,” he said.

Police Commissioner Tisch confirmed the crash details align with 911 calls and witness statements, but declined to speculate further. “It’s consistent with reports,” she said, noting that the exact cause remains unknown.

Officials withheld the victims’ identities pending notification of their families.

Mayor Adams concluded with words of gratitude for the emergency workers: “We’re praying for the families and our gratitude goes out to the rescuers and the courage that was displayed in their dedication.”