Two helicopters crashed in South New Jersey late Sunday morning, injuring at least two people and prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies, according to radio traffic, eyewitness video, and preliminary reports from the scene.
The incident occurred just after 11 a.m. Sunday at 100 Basin Road in Hammonton, New Jersey, less than three miles from Hammonton Airport, according to Atlantic County Fire and EMS radio communications.
Emergency dispatch audio indicates that first responders were initially unsure how many aircraft were involved as they arrived at the scene.
“We got one helicopter fully involved, I’m looking for the second one, I got another one in the woods down. Start extrication, we’re gonna need expedited response,” a dispatcher said in scanner audio recorded during the response.
Another voice on the radio confirmed injuries resulting from the crashes.
“We have two confirmed injuries,” the dispatcher said.
Video posted to social media shortly after the incident shows a large column of black smoke rising into the sky near the crash site.
🚨 NEW: Two helicopters collided around 12:25 pm in Hammonton, New Jersey today. At least one person was killed and another critically injured. pic.twitter.com/QLmqMbUCle
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) December 28, 2025
One widely shared video was filmed from the parking lot of a Tractor Supply Co. store in Hammonton, where several bystanders can be heard reacting in shock as they observe the smoke plume in the distance.
A separate video circulating online appears to show a helicopter spinning uncontrollably in midair before crashing out of view.
That video was reported by 6ABC Action News, which said the footage appeared to capture the moments just before one of the helicopters went down. The exact cause of the apparent loss of control was not immediately known.
Authorities have not released details about the type of helicopters involved, where they were departing from or headed to, or how many people were aboard each aircraft at the time of the crashes.
It also remains unclear whether the helicopters were operating together or independently.
Emergency crews responding to the scene reported one helicopter fully engulfed, while another was located in a wooded area nearby.
Radio traffic indicated that extrication efforts were underway as responders worked to reach those injured.
The extent of the injuries has not been publicly detailed, and no fatalities were confirmed as of Sunday afternoon.
BREAKING: Two helicopters collided and crashed in southern New Jersey, killing one person and sending another to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/UrqcB6AbHv
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 28, 2025
Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the crashes.
The Federal Aviation Administration also did not immediately provide additional information in response to inquiries about the incident.
The FAA typically investigates civil aviation accidents in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board, depending on the severity and circumstances of the crash.
The area around Basin Road remained active with emergency personnel as authorities worked to secure the crash sites and assess the situation.
Residents in the area reported hearing emergency sirens and seeing a heavy presence of first responders following the crashes.
Hammonton Airport, located a short distance from the reported crash site, is a general aviation airport that serves private aircraft and flight training operations.
Local officials urged the public to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.
Additional information about the condition of the injured individuals, the identities of those involved, and the circumstances leading up to the crashes was expected to be released as investigators gathered more facts.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when more details will be made available.
“…. Crash to the Ground”. Just amazing.