New York: A tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three children, according to reports from CNN citing the New York City Mayor. Among the victims were a pilot and a family visiting from Spain.
The incident occurred at Pier 40 in the late afternoon and involved a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter. The aircraft had taken off from lower Manhattan, circled the Statue of Liberty, and was flying north along the Hudson River towards the George Washington Bridge before it turned back south and ultimately crashed into the river near New Jersey.
In response to the crash, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has issued a warning about increased emergency vehicle presence and traffic disruptions in the vicinity.
"Due to a helicopter crash in the Hudson River near the West Side Highway and Spring Street, anticipate emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the surrounding areas," the NYPD stated.
According to CNN, the weather at the time of the crash was overcast, with winds between 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Visibility was adequate, although light rain was anticipated to arrive shortly.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the incident and is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is taking the lead on the investigation, as reported by CNN.
