NEW YORK (AP) — A helicopter with five people aboard crashed into New York City’s East River this afternoon after taking off from a launch pad on the riverbank, killing one and seriously injuring at least two.
The pilot and three others were pulled alive from the water by rescue crews shortly after the chopper went down. The body of a woman also on the Bell 206 helicopter, which was submerged in the murky water, was recovered later, police spokesman Paul Browne said.
The private chopper went into the river off 34th Street in midtown Manhattan. It’s unclear what happened, but witnesses said it was sputtering and appeared to be in some type of mechanical distress.
A massive rescue effort had been under way with a dozen boats and divers in the cold, grey water before the woman’s body was recovered.
The conditions of those who were rescued weren’t immediately available. The fire department said at least two people were taken to area hospitals in serious condition.
