Six dead after helicopter crashes into New York’s Hudson River

A helicopter crash in New York’s Hudson River has claimed the lives of six people, including a family of five and the pilot.

The helicopter, a Bell 206 operated by New York Helicopters, took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport just before 3pm on Wednesday (local time).

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Less than 20 minutes into the flight, witnesses say the aircraft appeared to fall apart mid-air and plummeted into the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge.

“It was like something out of a movie,” one eyewitness told The New York Post.

“The rotors came off and it just dropped.”

Emergency crews from both New York and New Jersey were called to the scene, with divers from the NYPD recovering all six bodies from the wreckage.

Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two were rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the identities of the victims will not be disclosed until the families are notified.

“NYPD units from aviation, harbour, scuba and patrol all responded, with our first units arriving at the site within minutes. Our NYPD divers entered the water, along with rescue personnel from FDNY, Port Authority and various New Jersey agencies,” Tisch said.

“Four victims were pronounced dead on scene, and two more were removed to local area hospitals, where sadly both succumbed to their injuries.”

US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social, stating that: “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us.”

He said that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his team are investigating the incident, with further announcements to be made soon.

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