Tragic Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Off Manhattan Claims Lives and Sparks Emergency Response

A tragic incident occurred when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, resulting in multiple fatalities, as reported by NBC New York. Sources indicate that four individuals were rescued from the water and transported to a hospital. However, the exact number of people on board the helicopter remains unclear.

Emergency Response and Traffic Implications

In response to the helicopter crash, the NYPD issued a warning on social media, advising the public to expect emergency vehicles and traffic delays in the vicinity of the West Side Highway and Spring Street. The distressing images shared online depicted the helicopter submerged upside down in the Hudson River.

Details of the Helicopter

According to FlightRadar24, a flight-tracking website, the helicopter involved in the incident was identified as a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger. Flight records reveal that it had been taking off and landing at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on multiple occasions in the past few days. While these routes are typically associated with sightseeing helicopter tours, the specific purpose of the flight on Thursday remains uncertain.

Investigation and Ongoing Updates

The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated efforts to gather information regarding the incident, while the Federal Aviation Administration has not yet provided a comment. As this is a developing story, further updates are expected to emerge in the near future.