Six Dead in Tragic Hudson River Helicopter Crash

A devastating helicopter crash claimed six lives Thursday afternoon after the aircraft went down in the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey. The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft, close to River Drive South and Newport Parkway, just steps from the iconic Water’s Soul sculpture.

Authorities confirmed that three adults and at least two children were aboard the helicopter, along with the pilot—all of whom were killed in the crash. Sources identified the victims as a family visiting from Spain. All bodies have been recovered, according to CBS News.

The helicopter, a Bell 206, took off from Lower Manhattan and was owned by Meridian Helicopters, a Louisiana-based company. According to flight data, the aircraft followed a path past Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty, flying north along Manhattan’s West Side before looping back down along the Jersey shoreline and crashing into the river.

Emergency responders from both New York and New Jersey rushed to the scene, with NYPD personnel mobilizing along the West Side Highway. Mayor Eric Adams was present at the crash site Thursday evening.

The FAA and NTSB are actively investigating the incident. The helicopter had a regular flight history in the New York City area, frequently operating routes between Manhattan heliports and regional airports including JFK and Newark.

This tragic event has raised new concerns about the safety and oversight of non-commercial helicopter traffic over densely populated urban areas.