Things went sideways over Hammonton, New Jersey, when what should have been a routine flight quickly turned into an emergency scene. Two helicopters collided midair before spiraling to the ground, leaving one person dead and another fighting for their life. Locals watched in horror as the fiery crash unfolded, capturing the shocking moments on video.
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Small Helicopters Collide, One Engulfed In Flames
According to Hammonton police, the crash occurred Sunday morning around 11:25 a.m. near Basin Road and North White Horse Pike. Both aircraft—a pair of small Enstrom helicopters, one F-28A and one 280C—were each carrying only a single pilot. One helicopter was engulfed in flames upon impact. Meanwhile, the other also suffered a hard crash landing, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Eyewitness Describes Hammonton Helicopter Crash Chaos
Local resident Dan Dameshek, 34, described the chaotic scene to NBC News. “[I] turned around and saw one helicopter go from right side up to upside down and dive into the ground,” he said. “For a second, it looked like the other helicopter was OK, then I heard another smack like metal slapping metal, and it started spinning out of control.” Footage from NBC and 6ABC Philadelphia showed smoke billowing into the sky and one helicopter spinning uncontrollably before hitting the ground.
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Authorities Respond, Investigation Underway
New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way confirmed that first responders from the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management, Hammonton Police, and New Jersey State Police rushed to the scene. Authorities confirmed one fatality and said another person was transported with critical, life-threatening injuries. The FAA and NTSB are now investigating the crash, with preliminary reports expected soon. Emergency crews are urging locals to steer clear of the area while recovery efforts continue, as investigators comb through the wreckage to determine how two helicopters ended up colliding midair.
