Breaking
BREAKING: Two Helicopters Collided Midair in New Jersey, At Least 1 Dead
The cause of the collision remains unknown at this time, with no official statements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Two helicopters collided midair in Hammonton, New Jersey, leading to both aircraft crashing near the same location.
The incident occurred near 100 Basin Road, in the area of White Horse Pike (US Route 30) and Route 206, close to Hammonton Municipal Airport in Atlantic County. Hammonton is a town in southern New Jersey, roughly midway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
Witnesses and initial reports indicate the helicopters collided in midair, after which one aircraft became fully engulfed in flames upon impact, while the second spiraled down and crashed into a nearby wooded area, making access difficult for rescuers. Video footage from the scene captures one of the helicopters spiraling toward the ground, followed by thick black smoke billowing from the crash sites.
Investigations are expected to begin soon, focusing on factors like weather (overcast skies were noted in footage), pilot error, mechanical issues, or air traffic control.
Reports confirm at least one fatality (described in emergency alerts as a "black tag" patient, indicating deceased), with another person in cardiac arrest ("red tag"). At least one patient was extricated from the wreckage and transported by air for medical treatment.
Unconfirmed reports suggest there could be more victims, but authorities have not released names or further details.
Emergency crews, including firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement, quickly responded and established a landing zone for air medical transport.
Roads like White Horse Pike and Route 206 were closed to facilitate operations and ensure public safety. Search teams are conducting systematic sweeps of the wooded area for additional occupants, with the response described as ongoing and active.
The public has been urged to avoid the area.