US: Helicopter crashes into river in New York, 6 people killed
A tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York City on the afternoon of April 10, killing all six people on board, including three children, New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed.
The victims included the pilot and five passengers, believed to include a family from Spain, Mr Adams said at a press conference.
The New York Helicopters helicopter took off at 2:59 p.m. and then lost control, crashed upside down in the water near Lower Manhattan around 3:15 p.m., and sank into the river, authorities said.
On board were the pilot, two adults and three children, an official said.
NYPD and FDNY divers assisted in bringing the victims to shore. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were taken to a local hospital where they later died. Officials said the helicopter crashed upside down in the water.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the helicopter that crashed was a Bell 206. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the incident, with the NTSB playing a key role in the investigation.
A New York City Police Department spokesman said police patrol boats were assisting in rescue operations on the Hudson River.
Video footage from the scene captured by media showed numerous rescue boats and police vessels surrounding the water area where the helicopter sank.
The accident happened in the river area near the Tribeca neighborhood. New York Police warned people to be prepared for a large number of emergency vehicles and traffic congestion in the neighborhood.