A tragic incident occurred in the Hudson River, adding to the unfortunate history of helicopter accidents in New York City. Many tourists seek the thrill of a bird’s-eye view of the city by taking helicopter rides.
Elaina Latona, like countless others, was eager to experience the beauty of Manhattan from above. She accepted a spontaneous invitation from a friend for a helicopter ride over the city on March 28, shortly before the fatal crash.
Latona admitted feeling slightly apprehensive due to the recent spate of aviation accidents. She recounted being given small life jackets before the flight and pondered their effectiveness in a crisis.
Police and firefighters work on the site after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, on April 10, 2025 in New York, United States. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In 2011, three family members died after a chopper plunged into the East River. Two years earlier, nine Italian tourists were killed after their sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.
In light of Thursday’s crash, lawmakers are calling for reform within New York City’s airspace.
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is reportedly looking to restrict flights over Manhattan to law enforcement, members of the media and necessary transport.
Hoylman-Sigal did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring a helipad on West 30th Street in Manhattan to be moved from Hudson River Park, citing safety concerns.
“We averted disaster possibly by just minutes,” Hoylman-Sigal told ABC 7. “That is the concern here. Which is if a helicopter gets in trouble in a densely populated area like Manhattan, the disaster could be far worse.”
Fox News Digital’s Jacqliene Mangini and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
