A horrific helicopter crash occurred on the Hudson River this morning, when a private helicopter carrying six people suddenly crashed into the water just minutes after taking off from a landing pad near midtown Manhattan. All six people on board, including a pilot and five passengers, have been confirmed dead.
Chaotic scenes in the heart of the city
Witnesses near the George Washington Bridge said they heard a loud bang, then saw the helicopter spin out of control and plummet into the river. A video recorded by a resident shows the moment the plane crashed and a column of water shot up shortly after.
“We were walking along the riverbank when we heard a noise like the engine was failing. The helicopter shook violently and then nosedived into the water. It all happened in a matter of seconds,” one witness recounted in a trembling voice.
Victims’ identities have not been released
Sources from the NYPD and rescue forces said a team of divers arrived at the scene immediately after the accident. However, due to strong currents and cold water, the recovery operation was difficult. All six bodies have been found, including two believed to be foreign tourists.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the helicopter belongs to a New Jersey-based flight tourism service company. The plane had taken off less than four minutes earlier.
Initial Cause: Engine Failure or Weather Conditions?
Although there is no official conclusion, some inside sources believe that the helicopter may have experienced serious mechanical problems that led to the loss of control. There is also the hypothesis that light fog and strong winds this morning may have contributed to the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team of investigators to the scene. “We are analyzing radar data, air traffic control recordings and debris recovered from the river to determine the exact cause,” an NTSB official said at a press conference.
New York Mayor Speaks Out
The mayor of New York City was at the scene and said: “This is an unimaginable tragedy in the heart of our city. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and are committed to doing everything we can to determine the cause of the accident.”
All Helicopter Tours Temporarily Suspended
Shortly after the crash, helicopter tours around Manhattan were suspended indefinitely. New Yorkers have taken to social media to express their concerns and outrage, with many questioning whether safety regulations for sightseeing flights need to be tightened.
