helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday has left at least one person dead, according to the New York Police Department. Emergency responders rushed to the scene near Pier 40 in Manhattan after reports of an aircraft plunging into the water.
Authorities say at least two people were pulled from the Hudson River, but the condition of those rescued remains unclear. It is still unknown whether the deceased individual was among those retrieved by emergency crews.
Marine and land rescue units responded within minutes of the helicopter crash, as concerned bystanders gathered along the waterfront to witness the rescue efforts unfold. The area quickly became a focal point of chaos and confusion as details about the incident trickled in.
Eyewitnesses React to Helicopter Crash in Hudson River
Video footage posted to social media shortly after the helicopter crash shows debris floating on the water’s surface. Witnesses at nearby parks and buildings described hearing a loud noise, followed by the sight of the chopper plunging into the river.
“I was walking along the Hudson when I saw the helicopter spiraling down. Then it hit the water hard. People started screaming, and boats rushed toward the wreckage,” said Aaron Blake, a tourist from Texas.
A BBC journalist who happened to be on the top floor of the World Trade Center at the time of the helicopter crash noted that around a dozen boats quickly surrounded the crash site. He said tourists inside the observation area gathered on one side of the tower, trying to get a glimpse of what was happening below.
Details Still Emerging After Helicopter Crash
Authorities have yet to determine how many people were on board the helicopter when it crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the helicopter crash.
“We are actively investigating the incident. At this time, we can confirm the helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Pier 40. We are working with local law enforcement and recovery teams to gather more information,” an FAA spokesperson stated.
As of Thursday evening, boat and street traffic in the area had been halted to accommodate rescue operations and investigations. The NYPD also confirmed that several divers and marine patrols were in the water looking for additional evidence and possibly more passengers.
Hudson River Site of Previous Helicopter Crashes
This is not the first time the Hudson River has been the site of a helicopter crash. In recent years, the river has become an unfortunate landing zone for both planes and helicopters facing mid-air malfunctions or pilot errors.
In May 2019, a sightseeing helicopter made an emergency landing in the Hudson, barely avoiding a major tragedy. The pilot was the only person on board and managed to swim to safety. That incident renewed scrutiny over the number of helicopters flying over Manhattan and prompted discussions about tighter regulations.
The latest helicopter crash is likely to reignite that debate, especially as the city gears up for peak tourist season, when the skies above New York become increasingly crowded with sightseeing and charter flights.
Helicopter Crash Sparks Transport Lockdown and Investigation
Following the crash, authorities quickly shut down waterway traffic along the section of the Hudson River near Pier 40. Several lanes of adjacent streets were also closed, causing traffic disruptions in lower Manhattan. Ferry services in the area were temporarily suspended, affecting commuters and tourists alike.
Mayor Eric Adams issued a brief statement, saying, “We are closely monitoring the situation surrounding the helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Our emergency services are on site doing everything they can to rescue and recover. Our thoughts are with the families of those involved.”
The NYPD’s aviation unit and marine division are assisting federal authorities in the investigation. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the crash site as recovery operations continue.
Social Media Reacts to Helicopter Crash in New York
Social media platforms quickly lit up with reactions from eyewitnesses and concerned citizens. Hashtags like #HelicopterCrash, #HudsonRiver, and #Pier40 began trending within an hour of the incident.
Many users expressed shock and sorrow, while others posted photos and videos showing rescue boats, police cruisers, and floating debris. Several users questioned whether more stringent rules should be enforced to limit non-essential helicopter flights over the city.
“I love NYC, but the air traffic is insane. How many more crashes before we get serious about air safety?” one user tweeted.
