NEW YORK, NY - A devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon has claimed the lives of all six individuals on board, authorities confirmed. The victims include three children from a Spanish family visiting New York City.   

The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that the chartered New York Helicopter aircraft, carrying one pilot, two adults, and three children, plunged into the river near the southern tip of Manhattan around 3:17 PM. The helicopter had taken off from the Wall Street heliport approximately 15 minutes prior.   

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop provided details to ABC News, stating the helicopter was en route north towards the George Washington Bridge before inexplicably turning south and crashing off the Hoboken, New Jersey, riverfront.   

New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragedy, offering heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage paint a harrowing picture of the final moments. Witnesses described hearing loud, unusual noises and seeing the helicopter descend rapidly without its main or tail rotor blades intact. Authorities believe the aircraft impacted the water upside down.

First responders rushed to the scene, and the six occupants were recovered and transported to Jersey City Medical Center. Tragically, Mayor Fulop confirmed that all six were pronounced dead despite medical efforts.

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the incident, with the Spanish Consulate in New York actively collaborating with local authorities to identify the victims and gather further information.

Witnesses along the riverfront recounted the shocking event. Dani Hoviak, observing from his apartment window, told ABC News, "I saw the helicopter falling from the sky... I heard five or six loud, dull sounds like gunshots, and then I saw pieces falling off before it crashed into the river."   

Another witness, Eric Campoverde, described seeing the helicopter plummet at a steep 45-degree angle, resulting in a significant splash. A witness on WABC television likened the sound to a "sonic boom" and reported seeing the helicopter break apart mid-air with rotor blades detaching.   

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Bell 206, noting that this was its sixth flight of the day. Upon arrival, rescue teams found the helicopter submerged and inverted in the frigid 10-degree Celsius waters. The crash site is located closer to the New Jersey shoreline of the Hudson.

Mayor Fulop highlighted that the Jersey City Police Department is leading the investigation due to the crash occurring on their side of the river. He also voiced concerns about the persistent air traffic over the Hudson River and expressed hope that this tragic incident would prompt a renewed focus on aviation safety in the area. The investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.

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