Six people died after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, sending rescue teams racing to the site of the crash.
The helicopter plummeted into the water at approximately 3:15 p.m.
Rescue efforts were launched from both sides of the river, which serves as a partial border between New York and New Jersey.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, six people died in the crash. Divers pulled all those aboard from the water.
Fire officials said that two adults, three children, and the pilot were on the helicopter when it crashed. The pilot and the family were Spanish visitors to New York City.
Two of the victims were pulled from the water alive and rushed to nearby hospitals, but died from their injuries, according to officials.
A witness at the scene told NBC News the helicopter’s blade “flew off” moments before it plunged into the river.
Mayor Adams issued a statement on social media from the scene of the crash. He advised residents to avoid the area near Pier 40 while response efforts are underway.
This is a developing situation; be sure to check back regularly as details are fluid, and information may change as new information becomes available.
Trump says Transport Sec Duffy working on case
President Donald Trump has sent his condolences to the family and friends of the victims and said that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his department are working on the case.
The president wrote on Truth Social:
Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!
Helicopter owner ‘absolutely devastated’ by tragedy
The owner of the tourist helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River this afternoon, killing all six people on board, including a family from Spain, told The New York Post he’s “devastated.”
“It’s devastation,” New York Helicopter Tours CEO Michael Roth said. “I’m a father and a grandfather and to have children on there, I’m devastated. I’m absolutely devastated.
“The only thing I know by watching a video of the helicopter falling down, that the main rotor blades weren’t on the helicopter,” a visibly shaken Roth said. “And I haven’t seen anything like that in my 30 years being in business, in the helicopter business. The only thing I could guess – I got no clue – is that it either had a bird strike or the main rotor blades failed. I have no clue. I don’t know.”
Six people died after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River off New York City. Here’s what we know
Six people have reportedly died after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan.
Just after 3 p.m., a Bell 206 LongRanger crashed into the river that divides New York City from New Jersey. The helicopter appeared to have taken off from Manhattan, according to FlightRadar24.
Here’s what we know about the crash:
WATCH: NYPD confirm six deaths in Hudson River helicopter crash as investigations are underway
Mayor Eric Adams says city is working with Spanish consulate to notify family of helicopter crash victims
Mayor Eric Adams said that it is unclear if the Spanish occupants aboard the helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday were visiting tourists or were in the city for another reason.
He also said that the city is working to notify the victims’ next of kin and is coordinating with the Spanish consulate before releasing the identities of those killed in the crash.
Mayor Eric Adams confirms all six occupants — three adults and three children — died in Hudson River helicopter crash
New York Mayor Eric Adams provided an update on the Hudson River helicopter crash during a press conference his afternoon.
First calls came in around 3:17pm to report the helicopter crash. Three adults and three children were on board the helicopter, which left a downtown skyport around 3pm.
The pilot and the family were visitors from Spain.
All six victims have been removed from the water, and all six victims have been pronounced dead.
He said the incident is still under investigation.
WATCH: Hudson River helicopter crash press conference
Watch the press conference live here:
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirms she’s been briefed on Thursday’s helicopter crash
Images from the crash scene
The Independent’s Kelly Rissman is at Pier 40 on the banks of the Hudson River near the spot where a helicopter crashed earlier this afternoon.
The press and rescue workers have gathered at the pier as response crews continue to work at the crash site.
Source: independent.co.uk