Helicopter Crash In Huntington
What began as an ordinary Saturday afternoon in Huntington quickly turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a helicopter crashed just outside the city, claiming several lives and sparking a federal investigation.
Local officials say the crash happened around 3:15 p.m. near a wooded area off Route 60, not far from the Ohio River. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing a thick column of smoke rising into the sky. Emergency crews from Cabell County and nearby towns rushed to the scene, but by the time they arrived, the helicopter was already engulfed in flames.
Authorities have confirmed that everyone on board died in the crash. The names of the victims have not yet been released, as officials work to notify their families. Early indications suggest the helicopter was privately owned and may have been headed toward a nearby airfield before losing control.
People who saw the helicopter moments before the crash described it as flying unusually low. “It looked like it was struggling to stay up—wobbling a bit—and then it just dropped straight down,” said Mark Henderson, a Huntington resident who witnessed the horrifying moment. “A second later, we heard a massive boom, and the sky filled with smoke.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation. They’re examining several potential causes, including mechanical failure, weather conditions, or pilot error. Officials have also asked the public to share any photos or videos that might help piece together what happened in the moments before impact.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams shared his condolences, praising the swift response of emergency crews. “Our community is heartbroken,” he said. “We stand with the families of those who lost their lives and thank our first responders for their courage and professionalism during such a tragic event.”
As investigators comb through the wreckage, the crash site remains closed off to the public. Federal officials say it may take weeks before an initial report is released.
Meanwhile, residents across Huntington have begun organizing candlelight vigils to honor the victims and support their grieving families—a somber reminder of how quickly life can change in an instant.