Peter Park, a local Jersey City resident, heard a loud bang around 3:15 p.m. and looked out the window to see a helicopter trailing black smoke. He saw rotor blades fall into the river, dangerously close to the New Jersey shoreline. Concerned for the safety of those nearby,
Park immediately texted his wife and called 911 to report the crash.Dominick Cognata, another witness, was walking when he heard an engine sputtering and turned to see the helicopter crash into the water. He recalled the distressing moment in an interview, adding to the growing number of accounts from the scene. More details are expected to follow as the investigation continues.