Several people killed in Hudson River helicopter crash

At least six people died Thursday afternoon when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, authorities told the Associated Press. New York City Police responded to the scene with search and rescue divers along with harbor units from the New York City Fire Department, according to a CBS News report from the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the helicopter as a Bell 206, and said the National Transportation Safety Board would take the lead on investigating the crash.

What caused the crash? Social media users posted unverified footage they claim was taken by bystanders that appeared to show a chopper swerving erratically before free-falling upside-down into the New Jersey side of the river. Footage also showed what witnesses claimed to be the helicopter’s blades detached from the fuselage in mid-air. An eyewitness described hearing a loud boom before looking up to see the rotor blades detached from the free-falling helicopter.

The crash came hours after another aviation mishap at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington, D.C. An American Airlines flight clipped the wing of another waiting American Airlines plane on the taxiway, according to the FAA. Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., were all onboard the waiting flight and confirmed everyone was safe.