6 dead after helicopter plunges into Hudson River

International

WHAT began as a scenic 16-minute helicopter tour ended in tragic crash when a passenger aircraft plunged into the Hudson River, killing six people — including three children.

The victims were a visiting family from Spain and the pilot, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a CNN report.

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Charter, took off from the downtown Manhattan heliport at 2:59 p.m., circled near the Statue of Liberty, and flew up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge. After reaching the bridge at about 3:08 p.m., it turned south along the New Jersey shoreline. However, minutes later, it lost control and crashed into the river near Pier A Park in Hoboken.

Multiple 911 calls were made at 3:17 p.m., reporting the crash, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Responders from NYPD and FDNY pulled six people from the water — four were declared dead at the scene, while two others were transported to nearby hospitals, where they later died.

“Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board,” said Adams in the CNN report.

The helicopter is now submerged in the river. It has been identified as a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, built in 2004. FAA records show the aircraft had a valid airworthiness certificate issued in 2016, set to expire in 2029. Details about the pilot have not been released.

According to Tisch, the helicopter may have been inverted at the time of impact.

“Reports that the helicopter stopped in mid-air and pieces of the helicopter were falling off before it hit the water is consistent with 911 reports,” she said in the same report.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 supports the 16-minute flight time. The route followed a popular sightseeing path, offering views of Manhattan’s skyline before disaster struck.

Weather at the time included light rain and gusty winds of up to 25 mph. Visibility on the surface remained clear at 10 miles, though cloudy skies were reported across the region.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash and said it is investigating alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the inquiry.

“A Bell 206 helicopter crashed and is submerged in the Hudson River in New York City,” the FAA said in a statement.(MyTVCebu)