A fatal helicopter accident occurred in the Hudson River near Jersey City on Thursday afternoon, resulting in six fatalities, according to official sources.
Sadly, the Bell 206 aircraft crashed into the water and became fully submerged, as the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
This marks yet another domestic air disaster this year.
Emergency response teams from the NYPD and FDNY immediately launched rescue operations at the scene. Authorities warned the public through an official NYPD social media post to anticipate emergency vehicles and potential traffic disruptions in the area.
Disturbing footage circulating online shows the helicopter overturned in the river, with multiple police boats and aerial units visible in the vicinity conducting operations.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the incident as “heartbreaking and tragic” while visiting the site, where numerous emergency personnel were gathered. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences, stating she has offered state resources to support recovery efforts.
“I join all New Yorkers in praying for those we’ve lost and their families,” Governor Hochul said in her statement.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed that multiple agencies, including the New Jersey State Police and Port Authority, are assisting with the emergency response.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.