A helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River near Pier 40 on Thursday afternoon, with dramatic videos showing the aircraft breaking apart midair before plunging into the water.
The incident, which occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time, killed all six people on board, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed during a press conference. The victims included a family of Spanish tourists with 3 children, and the pilot.
Eyewitness footage shared on social media captured the moment the Bell 206 helicopter’s main rotor and tail boom separated while still airborne. The rotor blades, fully detached from the fuselage, could be seen continuing to spin as they fell separately from the body of the aircraft, before both sections struck the water.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed that multiple rescue boats responded to the scene, surrounding the mostly submerged, upside-down helicopter. Initial reports indicated that the pilot was pulled from the water alive, though the full casualty count remains unconfirmed.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area near West Side Highway and Spring Street due to ongoing emergency operations and traffic disruptions.
JUST IN: 6 people are confirmed to be deceased in the Hudson River helicopter crash, according to the Associated Press. The chopper’s propeller was seen detached from the helicopter, spinning into the water. According to a witness who spoke with NBC, the chopper blade just… pic.twitter.com/EMpWMJC9el
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 10, 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet determined what led to the apparent in-flight breakup.
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