New York, USA — Several people were killed Thursday when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, according to local authorities.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, sending plumes of smoke into the air and debris into the water. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter struggling in midair before plummeting into the river.
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Rescue operations were immediately launched by the NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard, who recovered several victims from the wreckage. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities, but described the crash as a “mass casualty incident.”
The helicopter was reportedly a private charter flight. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are on site and working to determine the cause of the crash.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams offered condolences to the victims’ families and praised the swift response by emergency services. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he said in a press briefing.
The Hudson River has been the site of several aviation incidents in recent years, including the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009. This latest crash raises fresh questions about air traffic safety over the city’s waterways.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those on board, and to all six individuals who were in the helicopter,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
German industrial giant Siemens confirmed in a statement Friday that executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three children were among the victims. According to CBS New York, the children were 4, 5, and 11 years old.
The Fatal Flight
The helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 206, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It was operated by New York Helicopters, a tour company, said Deputy Mayor Tiffany Tisch. The flight departed from Lower Manhattan around 3 p.m., Mayor Eric Adams confirmed.
A source close to the investigation revealed that the aircraft was owned by Meridian Helicopters, a Louisiana-based company specializing in the sale, leasing, and refurbishment of helicopters.
After takeoff, the helicopter reportedly flew over Governor’s Island, circled near the Statue of Liberty, and traveled north along Manhattan’s West Side. It turned around shortly after passing the George Washington Bridge, then flew south along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, before crashing near Jersey City.
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