A deadly helicopter crash shook New York City Thursday afternoon, leaving at least one person dead after the aircraft split apart midair and plunged into the Hudson River.
The chopper went down on the New Jersey side of the Hudson near the ventilation buildings of the Holland Tunnel around 3:15 p.m., sending emergency crews scrambling. Witnesses reported hearing a “loud thumping noise” before seeing the helicopter break apart.
“Something snapped, and then it just dropped,” said one bystander. “It looked like it split in half before hitting the water.”
The helicopter had just begun its return after making a U-turn over the George Washington Bridge, more than 17 minutes after taking off from the Wall Street heliport. Then, suddenly, tragedy struck. The aircraft began to spin out of control. An eyewitness told USLIVE: “It looked like it hit a flock of geese. I thought I saw feathers in the air!”
Chaos on the Hudson: Eyewitnesses Describe Terrifying Crash
The pilot may have tried to make an emergency landing on the west bank of the Hudson River, on the New Jersey side, at a small improvised landing site. But it was too late. The helicopter broke apart, and its debris plunged into the icy, seven-degree water at different points. The moment the cabin—carrying the pilot and five passengers—hit the water was captured on amateur video. The impact sounded like a bomb explosion.
Parts of the landing skids were still sticking out of the water.
Floating nearby were what appeared to be grim remnants of the wreckage: two brown leather seat cushions, a bright yellow piece of a life vest, a child’s sneaker, and the handle of a pink water bottle designed for kids. At first, it wasn’t clear if the items came from the doomed helicopter—or were simply debris carried by the current.
FDNY marine units rushed to the scene, where the wreckage was seen floating near the Holland Tunnel vents on the New Jersey side of the river.
Rescue Efforts Underway as Questions Mount
Divers and first responders worked urgently to search for survivors, though officials confirmed at least one fatality. The exact number of people on board remains unclear.
Meanwhile, traffic snarled along the West Side Highway as police diverted vehicles away from the crash site.
What Caused the Crash? Investigators Seek Answers
Authorities have not yet determined why the helicopter went down. The FAA and NTSB will lead the investigation into the incident.
This marks the latest in a series of helicopter crashes in the New York area, raising fresh concerns about air safety over the city.
Live Updates: Stay Tuned for the Latest
As recovery efforts continue, officials urge the public to avoid the area. Follow this developing story for updates on victims, the investigation, and potential policy changes in response to the tragedy.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.