Local News
Video Captures Helicopter Spiraling to the Ground After Mid-Air Collision in Hammonton
HAMMONTON, N.J. (Atlantic County) — Authorities are investigating a fatal midair collision involving two helicopters that occurred near Hammonton Municipal Airport on Sunday, Dec. 28, at approximately 12:25 p.m. local time, according to law enforcement and aviation officials.
Police confirmed that an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter collided in midair near Basin Road and North White Horse Pike (Route 206). Officials said only the pilots were aboard each aircraft at the time of the collision.
Both helicopters subsequently crash-landed. One aircraft was reported to be fully engulfed in flames, while the second went down in a wooded area, creating challenging conditions for emergency crews responding to the scene.
Firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies were dispatched, and additional resources were requested due to the severity of the incident.
Authorities have confirmed that one person was killed as a result of the crash.
Another individual sustained injuries and was transported for medical treatment.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved, pending notification of next of kin.
Video circulating on social media appears to show one of the helicopters spiraling toward the ground following the collision.
Authorities cautioned that the footage has not been independently verified and emphasized that the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified.
The NTSB will lead the investigation, with support from the FAA, and will examine factors including aircraft operations, pilot actions, airspace coordination, and mechanical condition.
Officials stated that additional updates will be provided by the NTSB as the investigation progresses.
The public is being urged to avoid the area while emergency operations and investigative work continue.
This remains an active and developing investigation, and information may be updated as authorities release confirmed details.
Emergency crews in Bethesda, Montgomery County, responded to a serious trench collapse Tuesday at a work site in the 8100 block of Kentbury Drive, where two workers became trapped in a deep excavation.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a 10 to 12-foot-deep trench that collapsed while the workers were inside.
One victim was reported to be buried up to the waist, while the second victim was buried up to the head, creating an urgent and dangerous situation for responders.
Specialized rescue teams from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene and initiated a technical trench rescue operation.
These types of incidents require careful stabilization of the surrounding soil and trench walls to prevent additional collapse while rescuers work to safely reach and extract the trapped individuals.
Emergency personnel secured the area and began implementing protective measures, including shoring the trench to stabilize the excavation site before attempting to free the victims.
The condition of the trapped workers has not yet been released.
Rescue operations were ongoing as crews worked methodically to remove soil and safely extricate the victims.
Officials are expected to provide further updates as the rescue effort continues and investigators determine what led to the collapse.