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:
What happened?
A helicopter crashed into the Hudson River with a pilot, two adults and three children on board, according to local authorities. The flight was believed to be a tour charter, NBC New York reports.
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, all six people have been pulled from the water, and all six people are dead, the Associated Press reports.
Videos posted to social media showed the helicopter falling into the water, overturning as it was submerged.
Visibility over the river wasn’t substantially impaired, the AP reports, and the water temperature is at 45F.
Where did the crash happen?
The crash happened in the Hudson River, which divides New York and New Jersey. The helicopter landed in the water closer to New Jersey, off the shore of Jersey City and Hoboken.
New York Police Department officials said emergency responders were gathered near Pier40 on the West Side Highway and Spring Street in Manhattan.
Who was on board?
The identities of the pilot, two adults and three children on board are unknown.
Fox News reports the family was visiting from out of town.
What are residents and officials saying?
New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged residents to avoid the area.
“The team is on the scene at the heartbreaking and tragic crash in the Hudson River…Please avoid the area near Pier 40 in Manhattan in the meantime,” he said.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also said he’s aware of the disaster: “I have been briefed by law enforcement on the tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River close to New Jersey. We are supporting the emergency response effort through the @NJSP, @PANYNJ, and local first responders.”
In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board said they were leading the investigation on the incident.
Jersey City resident and witness Peter Park told The New York Times he heard a “loud bang” as the helicopter crashed, and looked out his window to see an aircraft giving off black smoke and helicopter blades falling into the river.
He said the blades were so close to the New Jersey shore he feared they may strike people
Lesly Camacho, a witness who saw the crash from Hoboken, told the Associated Press the helicopter was spinning uncontrollably as it fell.
At least 32 people have died in New York City helicopter crashes since 1977, the Associated Press reports. The last crash happened six years ago, with five sightseers drowning after a helicopter flying with its doors off fell into the East River. The pilot was the only survivor.
