**A helicopter carrying six people crashed into the Hudson River shortly after taking off from the Downtown Skyport, leaving no survivors. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fatal accident.**
**Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives: What We Know So Far**
**Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives: What We Know So Far**
**An overview of the tragic incident involving a sightseeing helicopter that crashed in the Hudson River.**
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) reported a tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River that resulted in the deaths of all six people on board. The incident occurred during a sightseeing flight operated by New York Helicopters, raising concerns and drawing attention to aviation safety.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the helicopter took flight from Manhattan’s Downtown Skyport at 2:59 PM local time. Surveillance from Flightradar24 noted that the helicopter remained airborne for approximately 15 minutes, initially heading towards the iconic Statue of Liberty before changing its direction towards the George Washington Bridge. Tragically, the aircraft turned back towards Hoboken, New Jersey, where it plunged into the river at around 3:15 PM, flipping upside down on impact.
Witness Bruce Wall described a harrowing scene, stating, “It started falling apart in mid-air and then the tail came off and then just flipped over in mid-air and started falling to the ground.” Following the crash, police boats engaged in swift rescue efforts, however, despite vigorous CPR attempts, all six individuals were pronounced dead. Four victims were reported dead at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries after being taken to local hospitals.
Among the victims were a family comprising two adults and three children from Spain, who had embarked on the flight for a scenic view of New York City. Mayor Eric Adams has refrained from disclosing further details about the victims.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with early assessments suggesting the aircraft may have lost control shortly before crashing just off a pier. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has classified the helicopter as a Bell 206. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working to determine the details surrounding this tragic incident. This occurrence marks the deadliest helicopter crash in New York City since 2018, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring air travel safety.
