New Jersey: two helicopters crash in midair, killing one
New Jersey: One person was killed and another wounded in a midair collision between two helicopters in southern New Jersey on Sunday (local time), which prompted a federal inquiry into the crash’s cause, according to CNN.
Two Enstrom helicopters were operating at the time of the incident, which happened in the late morning hours close to Hammonton Municipal Airport.
The Enstrom F-28A and Enstrom 280C “collided in mid-air” at around 11:25 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. When the helicopters collided, the only people inside were the pilots.
In Hammonton, both helicopters crashed in an open field. According to Hammonton Fire Department Chief Sean Macri, who was reported by CNN, emergency personnel raced to the site and flew both patients to a nearby trauma center.
During rescue operations, one of the pilots was in serious condition, according to Macri. According to him, one of the victims was in “possible cardiac arrest” when the ambulance arrived.
Later, authorities verified that the collision had claimed one life.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, an investigator has been sent to the scene of the collision and a formal inquiry has been initiated. According to the government, it will look into a number of things, such as flight track information, aircraft maintenance records, communications from air traffic control, and witness statements.
“After the wreckage of both helicopters are documented, they will then be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation,” the National Transportation Safety Board stated.
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey said that his office is in contact with federal authorities and is looking for further information on the event.
“The deadly helicopter accident that occurred over South Jersey this morning has been described as terrible and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their loved ones. In an X post, Booker said, “My office is in contact with the NTSB and requesting more information about the details of this tragedy.”