A shadowy phenomenon in New Jersey’s skies is causing serious concern after a medical helicopter was prevented from transporting a critically injured crash victim due to the disruptive presence of unidentified drones. The troubling incident, which unfolded in Branchburg Township, Somerset County, has ignited fresh scrutiny as federal authorities race to unravel the mystery.
Last Tuesday, a medevac helicopter was dispatched to the site of a severe car accident, prepared to airlift the victim to a nearby hospital. However, the mission was abruptly canceled when drones were spotted hovering dangerously close to the landing zone. Local fire officials deemed the airspace unsafe, leaving emergency responders scrambling for alternatives to transport the patient.
Brian Serge, a security supervisor at Raritan Valley Community College, which assisted in securing the crash site, expressed frustration over the situation. “We never found out what the actual drones were,” Serge said. “It’s kind of a mystery. We were asking around about that, but nobody knew anything.”
The victim’s condition and how they were ultimately transported remain unclear. However, the incident underscores the very real dangers posed by the misuse—or deliberate use—of drones in critical airspace.
This latest incident follows a spate of drone activity reported across central New Jersey, particularly near high-security zones like President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course and the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal. Witnesses have described groups of drones buzzing overhead, sometimes for hours at a time.
One Parsippany resident claimed to have seen up to five drones on Sunday night, raising questions about their purpose and origin. With reports dating back to mid-November, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed temporary flight restrictions over parts of Morris and Somerset counties. These restrictions, enacted at the FBI’s request, are set to remain in effect through December 26 as investigators work to assess the potential threat.
An FAA spokesperson confirmed that the restrictions were issued “out of an abundance of caution,” reflecting heightened concerns over national security and public safety.
The timing and location of the drone sightings have fueled speculation about their intent. The proximity to President Trump’s Bedminster retreat and a key military installation has raised alarms about potential espionage or surveillance activities.
The FBI has asked the public to submit high-resolution photos of the mysterious drones to aid their investigation. Yet, weeks into the sightings, no definitive explanation has emerged.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by drones in unregulated or malicious hands. While these devices have legitimate uses, their presence near critical infrastructure, emergency zones, and high-security areas could lead to catastrophic consequences.
As investigators work to identify the source of these rogue drones, the unanswered questions loom large: Who is operating them, and for what purpose? Are they a careless hobbyist’s toy, or something far more sinister?
Until answers emerge, the skies over New Jersey remain a scene of unease—where drones have already disrupted life-saving care and possibly much more.
