The helicopter carried six occupants: one pilot, two adults, and three children, all identified as tourists from Spain.
According to sources cited by ABC News, the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River close to Manhattan’s shoreline, triggering an immediate emergency response from New York City authorities.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) reported that the helicopter was fully submerged and inverted in the river when rescue crews arrived. Dramatic footage circulating on social media depicted rescue boats surrounding the partially submerged wreckage. The FDNY confirmed active rescue operations shortly after the incident.
Six people were killed Thursday when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan, authorities told ABC News. https://t.co/uZkWVvuDIt pic.twitter.com/Iz92x4aVjj
— ABC News (@ABC) April 10, 2025Frequent Air Traffic in Manhattan Skies
The airspace above Manhattan regularly accommodates helicopter and small-plane traffic, supporting tourism and business commuting. Several helipads around New York City routinely facilitate flights throughout the metropolitan region.
This fatal incident underscores an ongoing safety concern regarding helicopter travel in the city. Notably, in 2009, nine people lost their lives when a small plane collided with a tourist helicopter over the Hudson River. In 2018, another helicopter tragedy occurred when a sightseeing flight crashed into the East River, killing five passengers.
Investigations into Thursday’s crash continue as authorities assess safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
