Local News
Mid-Air Collision Involving Two Helicopters 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.
Local News
Autumn Mullins, 28, Killed in Single-Vehicle Truck Crash Near Exit 24 in Pikeville, Kentucky
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A heartbreaking tragedy has claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman from Virgie, Kentucky, following a devastating single-vehicle truck crash near Exit 24 in Pike County on Monday morning. 💔🕊️😢
The victim was identified by authorities as Autumn Mullins, 28, of Virgie, Kentucky. Her sudden death has left family members, friends, and loved ones grieving the loss of a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
According to authorities, the crash occurred Monday morning near the Exit 24 underpass in Pikeville, where Autumn’s truck reportedly left the roadway and struck the Cedar Creek Bridge.
Pikeville police officers responded to the scene after receiving a 911 emergency call. Emergency crews arrived and discovered that the collision had resulted in a fatality. The Pike County Coroner’s Office subsequently confirmed Autumn’s death.
Authorities reported that Autumn was the only occupant inside the truck. Sadly, she died as a result of the collision.
Pikeville Police Captain Chad Branham provided a preliminary description of the events leading up to the fatal collision.
According to Capt. Branham, the truck was traveling near Exit 24 when it reportedly left the roadway, struck a metal pole, traveled up a small hillside, and eventually collided with the Cedar Creek Bridge.
He explained:
“It appears to us that the driver just went off of the roadway, lost control, traveled up the hill and coming in contact with the Cedar Creek Bridge.”
Although investigators have provided an initial account of the vehicle’s path, the exact circumstances that caused Autumn to leave the roadway remain unknown.
Because the incident resulted in a fatality, investigators called in the department’s crash reconstruction unit to examine the scene and determine what may have contributed to the collision.
The newly established Advanced Reconstruction Team also assisted with the investigation. The team includes personnel from the Pikeville Police Department, Prestonsburg Police Department, and Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities indicated that this was among the team’s first collaborative efforts, bringing together investigators from multiple agencies to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.
A toxicology report remains pending and may provide additional information as investigators work to establish a clearer understanding of the incident.
Police also stated that the crash is not being investigated as a criminal matter, noting that Autumn was the only person inside the vehicle.
The fatal crash also affected motorists traveling through the area.
Authorities issued a warning for drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 23 near the Exit 24 bridge, urging them to slow down and proceed with caution while emergency personnel and investigators worked at the scene.
The investigation continued as officials examined the roadway and gathered information about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
At just 28 years old, Autumn Mullins had her whole life ahead of her. Her sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and how deeply a tragic accident can affect an entire family.
Behind the official reports and crash investigation is a family now facing the unimaginable pain of losing someone they loved. Friends and loved ones are left mourning her absence and holding on to the memories they shared with her.
While investigators continue working to determine what caused the truck to leave the roadway, those closest to Autumn must navigate the difficult days ahead without her.
Her death has left a painful void in the lives of the people who knew and cared for her.
Please keep Autumn Mullins’ family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as they face this devastating loss. May they find strength, comfort, and support during this difficult time.
May Autumn Mullins rest in beautiful, peaceful, eternal peace. 🕊️🤍