Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-32) is mourning the six victims of a Hudson River crash from this afternoon, noting she is still aiming to ban tourist helicopters in New Jersey.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“My heart breaks for the families affected by today’s devastating crash. No one should lose their life to an avoidable tragedy, especially one that has long been foreseen by residents and community leaders alike,” she said in a statement.
The Associated Press reported that the crash, which occurred near the Holland Tunnel in Jersey City, claimed six lives after the aircraft started “falling apart” in midair and did a nosedive into the water below.
Ramirez is a prime sponsor of Bill A-1371, a bill that seeks to ban tourist helicopter flights in the State of New Jersey.
Her support for the legislation has been driven in part by a steady stream of air and noise pollution complaints from constituents in Hoboken and Jersey City, as well as growing public concern about the risks posed by these low-flying aircraft.
The Assemblywoman also noted that today’s incident is part of a disturbing pattern of crashes and emergency landings involving tourist helicopters in recent years.
“We are now unable to look away from the safety concerns these helicopters bring. This is not the first crash and if we don’t act now to ban these companies, it will not be the last,” Ramirez declared.
“These companies put profits over safety, and communities like ours are left to pay the price—through sleepless nights, constant noise, and now, the loss of innocent lives.”
One of her opponents in the June 10th Assembly primary, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, also offered his condolences regarding the incident.
“The City of Hoboken’s Public Safety Department was prepared and ready to respond to today’s helicopter crash on the Hudson River, as our first responders always are,” he said in a statement.
“I thank our Fire, Police, and EMS personnel for their quick action and professionalism. On behalf of Hoboken, I offer my deepest condolences to the families affected by today’s tragic loss.”
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a candidate for governor, provided an update on X, indicating that the victims were a family from Spain.
“Terrible situation with crash of a tourist helicopter in the Hudson. Family from Spain. All 6 passengers now confirmed as deceased,”
“Jersey City continues to be the lead on investigation till we pass to NTSB. The two juveniles were taken to the JCMC and both pronounced a short time ago.”
3 young children were killed. Terrible. Maybe these flights should be banned.