NEWARK, NJ – Authorities are investigating reports of a possible drone crash in a residential area of Newark, New Jersey, after several residents claimed to have witnessed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) malfunction and crash late Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred near the intersection of Broad Street and Market Street, has raised concerns about air safety and the regulation of drone activity in densely populated areas.
Local law enforcement and fire officials responded swiftly to the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls around 4:30 p.m. from residents who reported hearing a loud noise followed by the sighting of a drone spiraling out of control before crashing into a vacant lot. “I saw it come down like a missile,” said one eyewitness, a local business owner who asked to remain anonymous. “It was flying really low, and then it just lost control and dropped out of the sky.”
Initial reports suggest that the drone involved may have been a commercial-grade model, commonly used for surveillance, photography, or delivery services. Although no injuries have been reported, the crash caused some structural damage to a nearby fence and a few power lines in the vicinity, prompting a temporary power outage in the area. Crews were quickly deployed to assess and repair the damage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified of the incident and are expected to assist in the investigation. Local officials have emphasized that while drones are a popular and growing industry, their operation within urban areas presents unique challenges to public safety. “We take all incidents involving unmanned aerial systems very seriously,” said Newark Police Chief Tony McDonald. “We are working closely with federal agencies to determine the cause of the crash and ensure that proper safety protocols were followed.”
Drone activity has been steadily increasing in New Jersey, particularly in urban areas where the technology is used for commercial purposes, such as package delivery and infrastructure inspection. However, as the popularity of drones grows, so does the potential for accidents. The crash in Newark has led some residents to voice concerns over the lack of regulation and oversight regarding drone flights in densely populated areas. “It’s only a matter of time before something worse happens,” said one concerned neighbor. “There need to be stricter rules to keep these things from crashing in our backyards.”
Local lawmakers have already started calling for greater scrutiny of drone operations, urging both state and federal regulators to review existing safety measures and propose stronger regulations. Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, who represents the area, issued a statement expressing her concern over the crash and calling for a review of current laws governing drone usage in urban settings. “We need to ensure that residents are not put at risk by the increasing number of drones flying overhead,” Oliver said.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine the drone’s flight history, including its registered operator, maintenance records, and any possible mechanical failure or interference that may have caused the crash. The investigation will also consider whether the drone was operating in compliance with FAA regulations regarding altitude, no-fly zones, and airspace restrictions in urban environments.
This incident serves as a reminder of the growing challenges posed by the proliferation of drones and underscores the importance of balancing innovation with safety in both rural and urban landscapes. Authorities are urging anyone with information or additional footage of the crash to come forward as they work to determine the exact cause of the accident. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.