A devastating mid-air collision between two helicopters occurred in a wooded area near Hammonton, New Jersey, on December 28, 2025, claiming one life and leaving another person in critical condition. The incident took place around 11:25 a.m. local time close to the 100 block of Basin Road and in proximity to Hammonton Municipal Airport.
Emergency services, including fire departments, police, and airport rescue crews, responded swiftly to the scene. One helicopter was fully engulfed in flames, while the second crashed nearby in dense woods. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has classified the event as a mid-air collision and, together with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has initiated a formal investigation.
Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel confirmed the casualty figures after responders located the victims amid the wreckage. Authorities have urged the public to avoid Basin Road and surrounding areas to allow unimpeded access for ongoing emergency operations and evidence preservation at the site.
Eyewitness accounts and circulating video footage captured one of the helicopters spinning uncontrollably before impact, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the collision. Thick black smoke billowed from the burning wreckage, visible from nearby locations, including a Tractor Supply store parking lot.
Multiple agencies, including the Hammonton Fire Department, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, and Atlantic City International Airport fire crews, coordinated the response to contain the fire and conduct search efforts for any additional individuals who might have been involved.
Reports indicate that search and rescue operations continued for some time due to the wooded terrain complicating access to certain parts of the crash site. While initial alerts mentioned possible trauma codes for two individuals, the confirmed toll stands at one fatality and one critically injured survivor transported to hospital.
Details about the type of helicopters, their operators, or purpose of the flights, whether routine training, medical transport, or otherwise, have not yet been officially disclosed pending further inquiry.
The crash has drawn significant attention across major American media outlets, with consistent reporting on the severity of the incident and the rapid multi-agency mobilization. As of December 29, 2025, no updates have emerged regarding additional victims or preliminary findings from investigators.
The NTSB typically leads such aviation accident probes, which can take months or years to determine contributing factors, including pilot error, weather conditions, mechanical issues, or air traffic control communications.
This event underscores the inherent risks associated with helicopter operations, even in relatively controlled environments near municipal airports. Aviation safety experts note that mid-air collisions, though rare, often result from reduced visibility, loss of situational awareness, or procedural lapses.
Local residents expressed shock at the sudden disruption in their community, with thick smoke and emergency vehicles dominating the landscape for hours after the crash.
The investigation will focus on potential communication issues between the pilots and visibility factors. The FAA and NTSB are working to determine the cause of the crash.
The community of Hammonton in Atlantic County continues to grapple with the aftermath of this unfortunate aviation tragedy. Officials are expected to release more information about the aircraft involved and potential safety recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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