In a shocking incident on Thursday afternoon, a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, according to law enforcement sources who spoke with ABC News. This tragic event unfolded as the aircraft went down, sending ripples of fear throughout the area.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that there were at least five people on board the helicopter at the time of the crash, including children. Witness Eric Campoverde recounted the harrowing moment, stating, "I was walking by and the helicopter went down at a 45-degree angle. Big splash -- it was very scary." This incident has raised questions about safety measures for helicopter flights in urban settings.
Another witness described the crash as sounding like a sonic boom, adding to the chaos of the scene. Reports indicate that the helicopter appeared to split in two, with parts of the rotor flying off during the descent. As the first responders arrived, the helicopter was found upside-down in the chilly 50-degree waters of the Hudson River, closer to the New Jersey side.
Rescue teams were quickly deployed to the crash site, working tirelessly in challenging conditions to locate any survivors and recover the victims. The situation is still developing, and authorities are investigating the cause of the helicopter crash. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided to the public.
This tragic incident highlights the potential dangers associated with helicopter travel, particularly in densely populated urban areas like New York City. The community is left in shock as the investigation unfolds, and the families of those affected are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
For ongoing updates and more information on this developing story, please check back regularly with ABC News.
