A helicopter fell on the Hudson River on Thursday, killing everyone on board, according to New York Mayor Eric Adams. This is the latest in a series of incidents in recent months that have shook confidence in aviation safety.
“At this moment, all six victims were taken from the water. And unfortunately all six victims were declared dead,” Adams told a press conference.
Passengers, including three children, were from Spain, officials reported.
The helicopter’s route, which originated in a heliport near Wall Street, shows that before falling, the group flew south toward the Statue of Liberdade and then to the north to the George Washington bridge before returning.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it could not confirm the number of people on board, but said it will investigate what happened with the Bell 206 helicopter in conjunction with the National Transport Security Council (NTSB). NTSB has stated in a statement that it is collecting information.
Earlier today, a passenger plane carrying at least six members of Congress was hit by another ground plane on the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, DC.
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Incidents are shaking confidence in the safety of the US aviation system after a deadly collision in the air between a US military helicopter and a regional passenger plane near Reagan airport in January.
There were several helicopter accidents in New York City. A helicopter fell into the East River during a tourist tour in 2018, killing five people and drawing attention to a safety belt safety problem.
“It is, of course, a tragic situation,” said Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop, who added that the cause is still unknown. “But this will lead to a greater conversation about whether we are doing everything that is needed from the point of view of security, considering how densely populated this area is.”
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