A helicopter crashed into the East River at 90 St in Manhattan, New York, injuring 5 people. The helicopter was reportedly a “tour helicopter” carrying several people. Initial reports indicate that two people have been killed as a result of the crash.
According to The Federal Aviation Administration, the Eurocopter AS350 “went down” near Roosevelt Island around 7 p.m. EST, adding that the chopper went upside down in the water. A witness speaking to the New York Post said that the helicopter disappeared beneath the water “in minutes.” Another witness said that one person was seen being pulled from the water onto a raft.
Rescue operations are currently underway. The FAA said they investigating the accident.
At this time, it is not clear what caused the crash or the extent of the injuries. It is believed that at least 6 people were on board at the time of the crash.
via ABC 7:
“We were having dinner and we noticed a red helicopter going full speed towards the water. It almost looked very surreal and next thing we know it’s approaching the water slowly and then it just completely crashed and then sunk. Immediate reaction was to call 911,” said eyewitness Arineh Nazarian.
The Post reports that there are only two Eurocopter AS350’s registered with the FAA in the tri-state area — both to the New Jersey parent company of tour operator Fly Liberty Charters.
The FAA said that the National Transportation Safety Board will work to determine the probable cause of the incident.
The East River is a salt water tidal estuary in New York City. The waterway, which is actually not a river despite its name, connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. The East River separates the borough of Queens on Long Island from the Bronx and also divides Manhattan from Queens and Brooklyn.