BREAKING: Helicopter Plunges Into Hudson River Near Manhattan’s West Side—Rescue Crews Rush In

A helicopter slammed into the Hudson River this afternoon, sending shockwaves through lower Manhattan and drawing a massive emergency response from city officials.

According to the New York Police Department, the crash occurred near Spring Street and the West Side Highway, a heavily trafficked area flanked by parks, piers, and high-rise buildings.

“We received multiple 911 calls around 2:50 p.m. reporting a helicopter in the water. NYPD, FDNY, and EMS units were immediately dispatched,” said Deputy Commissioner Carlos Mendoza in a brief press update. “Crews are actively responding. The public should avoid the area.”

Witnesses say the chopper appeared to lose control midair before spiraling into the river. A dramatic video posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shows the helicopter skimming the water’s surface before disappearing in a splash.

Helicopter crashed in Hudson! The chopper broke off midair and dropped!! pic.twitter.com/KpQGmM8x25

— Avirbhaw(Avi) Rakesh (@AvirbhawRakesh) April 10, 2025

“It was like something out of a movie. One second it was flying, the next it just dropped—bam—right into the river,” said Derek Harper, a tourist visiting from Michigan who was biking along the West Side Greenway. “Everyone froze. Then people started yelling for help.”

As of this report, it remains unclear how many people were on board or whether there were any injuries or fatalities. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is investigating the cause of the crash. News outlets have also reached out to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for comment.

The crash has triggered widespread traffic disruptions in the surrounding area. Police have cordoned off streets, and several westbound lanes near the riverfront are closed.

“This is a dense part of the city, with both locals and tourists walking and biking along the river,” said Councilmember Marisol Greene, who represents the district. “We’re lucky this didn’t turn into an even bigger tragedy.”

Helicopter activity in New York City has long been a subject of controversy, with residents often complaining about noise, safety concerns, and lax oversight of private aviation operators. The Hudson River corridor, while scenic, has been the site of multiple aircraft emergencies over the years—including the infamous “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009.

This latest crash adds to growing calls for stricter regulation of air traffic over the city.

“We’ve been warning about this for years,” said Tom Owens, a spokesperson for the advocacy group Stop the Chop NY/NJ. “It’s only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens.”

Authorities are expected to hold a formal press briefing later today.