A family of five including two adults and three children, reportedly visiting New York City from Spain, were among six people killed when the helicopter they were riding in crashed into the Hudson River.
Hudson River Helicopter Crash: What We Know
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) confirmed the crash in a post to X, formerly Twitter: “Due to a helicopter crash in the Hudson River, in the vicinity of the West Side Highway and Spring Street, expect emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the surrounding areas.”
NYC Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday said “the team” is on the scene, adding that “@FDNY and @NYPDnews are assisting first responders closer to the New Jersey side of the river. Please avoid the area near Pier 40 in Manhattan in the meantime.”
The mayor said in a news conference that officials first received reports of the crash around 3:17 p.m. The Associated Press (AP) reports that the helicopter fell apart “midair,” then crashed into the river “upside-down.”
Who Was Aboard the Helicopter?
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Diolanda Caballero told Newsweek via email that the helicopter was carrying three adults and three children.
According to New York WABC News reporter Janice Yu, law enforcement sources said a pilot, two adults and three children were on board. Law enforcement also confirmed “the family members were tourists from Spain,” Yu’s post on X said.
In the news conference, Adams also said preliminary information indicates the family and the pilot were all from Spain. The names are being withheld until family is notified, officials said in the news conference.
What Is a Bell 206 Helicopter?
A Bell 206 helicopter is a two-bladed aircraft with a single or double engine, according to Aero Corner.
In an emailed statement to Newsweek, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said: “A Bell 206 helicopter crashed and is submerged in the Hudson River in New York City. The number of people on board is unknown at this time. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB] will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.”
A New York City Police Department rescue boat is pictured near the Statue of Liberty after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) A New York City Police Department rescue boat is pictured near the Statue of Liberty after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
