On Thursday afternoon a helicopter crash into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan, leaving at least six people dead and several others injured or unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
The helicopter, a Bell 206 model, crashed into the water near Pier 25, an area between West Street and Canal Street in Lower Manhattan. The impact triggered a rapid emergency response from police, firefighters, and rescue teams on both the New York and New Jersey sides of the river.
Linda Schmidt indicated that five people were aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash. However, officials have now confirmed at least six fatalities, suggesting either more passengers than first reported or the inclusion of rescue personnel among the deceased.
Two people have reportedly been pulled from the water alive, but authorities are still working to determine how many individuals were actually on board.
Footage from the scene shows a heavy emergency response on the Hudson River waterfront, with crews rushing to locate and recover any possible survivors. The crash site, located near the busy West Side Highway and Spring Street, has caused significant traffic disruptions in the area.
Video captures the moment a helicopter comes crashing down in the Hudson River:pic.twitter.com/hemUndHTED
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) April 10, 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the downed aircraft was a Bell 206 helicopter—commonly used for commercial flights and tourism—that is now fully submerged in the river.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. At this point, the cause of the crash remains unknown.
Gusty weather conditions were reported in the area at the time of the crash, raising concerns that turbulence or wind shear may have played a role, although nothing has been officially confirmed. Investigators are also expected to examine maintenance records, pilot history, and air traffic communications.
The Hudson River, like the nearby East River, is no stranger to helicopter accidents. In 2018, a similar crash in the East River killed five people after strong currents hindered the rescue.
The skies above New York City are often busy with tourist helicopters, traffic reporters, and other low-flying aircraft, leading to strict regulations about altitude and flight paths. Still, enforcement and safety procedures have come under scrutiny in recent years.
As of now, recovery and rescue efforts are still underway. Divers and marine units continue to search the waters for additional victims or survivors. Authorities from the FDNY, NYPD, and New Jersey first responders remain on high alert as they coordinate efforts along the waterfront.
The FAA has promised updates as more facts are confirmed. For now, the city mourns the loss of life in yet another tragic aviation accident on its rivers.