Helicopter crashes into Hudson River near Jersey City, at least 1 dead

At least one person died when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon, the NYPD said. 

The incident happened at roughly 3:15 p.m. Thursday near Jersey City, not far from the Water’s Soul sculpture. 

At least six people were on board, including three adults and three children, according to the NYPD. 

At least one person is dead, and two were pulled from the water, but there was no word on their condition. One of the people recovered was a child, according to police sources. The other is the pilot, a Hudson County official said. 

Emergency responders were gathering on both sides of the river. On the Manhattan side, the NYPD was mobilizing on the West Side Highway and Spring Street. New York City Mayor Eric Adams was on the scene. 

The helicopter involved was a Bell 206, according to the FAA. It took off from Lower Manhattan, according to the New York City’s mayor’s office. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. 

The helicopter apparently came apart in mid-air and came plummeting down. Debris could be seen flying from the helicopter as it plunged into the river. 

Video appeared to show flotation devices on the helicopter’s landing gear in the water. The helicopter has since disappeared below, however. 

Prior crashes on the Hudson River

In 2019, a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River shortly after refueling. The pilot was the only person on board at the time and suffered minor injuries.

In 2016, a vintage plane went down during a celebration for the American Airpower Museum. The pilot was killed.

The most well-known crash was the “Miracle on the Hudson” in January 2009 when a plane struck birds shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger managed to land the plane on the river, saving the lives of 155 passengers and crew members.  

Check back soon for more information on this developing story.