At least six people have been confirmed dead after a helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near Manhattan, New York, on Thursday afternoon, according to reports from the Associated Press.
The incident occurred around 3:17 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the New York City Fire Department after receiving distress reports of a downed aircraft in the water.
Emergency crews swiftly arrived at the scene and launched intensive rescue operations. Eyewitness footage captured the harrowing aftermath, showing the helicopter overturned and partially submerged as multiple rescue boats encircled the wreckage.
The crash took place near the Manhattan waterfront, close to the end of a maintenance pier used by one of the Holland Tunnel’s ventilation towers. The area quickly filled with emergency vehicles—fire trucks, ambulances, and police—lights flashing as first responders worked to secure the site.
Helicopter traffic is a regular sight over Manhattan, with numerous helipads catering to business travelers, tourists, and aerial photography services.
Thursday’s disaster is the latest in a series of aviation incidents in the city. Notably, a 2009 midair collision over the Hudson claimed nine lives, and a 2018 crash into the East River during a photography flight left five people dead.
Authorities are yet to release the identities of the victims, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.
