Six Dead After Bell 206L-4 Helicopter Crashes Into NYC’s Hudson River Near Pier 40

New York City – Six people were killed on Thursday, April 10, 2025, when a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Pier 40 in Manhattan. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the West Side Highway and Spring Street, leading to a large-scale emergency response and the closure of parts of the vital waterway.

All six individuals aboard the aircraft perished in the crash. Law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, confirmed the victims included an executive of a European technology company, his wife, and their three children. Their identities were not immediately released pending notification of next of kin.

Initial reports from the scene indicated the immediate recovery of four victims who were pronounced dead at the crash site. The remaining two individuals were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but tragically succumbed to their injuries later, bringing the final death toll to six.

Tracing the Final Moments

According to preliminary flight data, the ill-fated journey began in Lower Manhattan at approximately 15:00 local time. The helicopter initially proceeded north along the course of the Hudson River. It then reportedly executed a turn near the George Washington Bridge before altering its course and heading south along the New Jersey shoreline. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the water during this southbound segment of its flight path.

Witnesses near the waterfront reported seeing the helicopter descend rapidly. While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown and is subject to a thorough investigation by federal authorities, video footage captured by bystanders and surveillance cameras reportedly suggests the aircraft broke into pieces in midair before impact. One witness also reported hearing a sound they described as consistent with engine failure moments before the crash.

Emergency Response and Investigation Underway

Emergency services, including units from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded rapidly to the crash site. Vessels were immediately deployed to search for survivors and recover debris from the river. Divers were also utilized in the challenging recovery efforts in the murky waters.

The NYPD issued advisories to the public, warning of expected emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the surrounding areas of the crash site as the large-scale operation unfolded throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Marine traffic on the Hudson River was also significantly impacted as rescue and recovery operations took precedence.

Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to arrive on the scene or have already begun their preliminary work to determine the cause of the catastrophic crash. This will involve recovering the aircraft’s wreckage, if possible, analyzing flight data recorders (if the aircraft was equipped with them), reviewing air traffic control communications, examining maintenance records, and interviewing witnesses. The investigation process is typically lengthy and complex.

Broader Context and Impact

Helicopter traffic is common over the skies of New York City, particularly along the Hudson River corridor, which is a popular route for private charters and scenic tours. Accidents involving aircraft over densely populated areas or waterways like the Hudson always draw significant public and regulatory scrutiny.

The tragic loss of life, particularly that of a family, has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the international business sector. As the investigation progresses, authorities will seek to understand precisely what led to the sudden and violent breakup of the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV over the Hudson River, potentially informing future aviation safety measures.