NEW YORK, NY – Six people, including three children, were killed after a tour helicopter crashed into the Hudson River between Manhattan and the New Jersey waterfront on Thursday afternoon. The helicopter was carrying the pilot and five passengers when it crashed into the river at about 3:15 p.m. EDT (per ABC News).

The New York Post reported that witnesses saw the Bell 206 chopper “split in half” before it went down near Pier 40 on West Houston Street and West Street around 3:15 p.m., per the New York City Fire Department

Mayor Eric Adams later said at a press conference that all six were pronounced dead, adding that “our hearts go out to the family and those on board.”  NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters that divers with NYPD and FDNY recovered all the victims who were on board the helicopter; four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others were taken to the hospital, where they “succumbed to their injuries.” Tisch said that the helicopter lost control shortly after turning at the George Washington Bridge to move along the New Jersey shoreline.

Local NY affiliate WNBC shared that reports of the downed aircraft near the West Side Highway and Spring Street came in shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday. Three law enforcement sources say the helicopter is believed to have been a tour charter flying along the Hudson at the time of the crash.

According to the communications team at the Spanish Foreign Ministry, the Spanish Consulate of New York City is in touch with authorities to gather and confirm information and identification of the people involved in the helicopter crash. In addition, authorities in Spain are aware of the crash as well.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board says the crash remains under investigation.

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