A deadly helicopter crash in the Hudson River this afternoon (Thursday) has reignited urgent calls from West Side lawmakers to ban tourist flights over the city. Six people — including three children — died after the aircraft, carrying a family visiting from Spain, broke apart mid-air and plunged into the water opposite Pier 40, according to authorities.
Footage captured by witnesses showed the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger helicopter’s rotor and tail boom separating in flight, followed by the fuselage spiraling down and crashing into the river at Newport (near Jersey City in New Jersey) around 3:15pm. Videos posted to social media documented the moment the helicopter disintegrated and submerged within seconds, leaving little time for rescue.
Despite the swift response from FDNY marine units, NYPD Harbor Unit, and boats from NY Waterway and Circle Line, none of the six passengers — two adults, three children, and the pilot — survived, officials confirmed Thursday evening.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents the West Side of Manhattan, expressed deep sorrow following the crash, calling it a “profound loss” and extending his condolences to the victims’ loved ones. “I’m heartsick,” he said, noting the tragedy involved three children.
But he added that the crash was a preventable one. “This is a foreseeable tragedy that could have been far worse had it occurred over land. Tourist choppers are free to operate without sufficient regulation to protect their passengers and New Yorkers on the ground,” he said. “I will continue to champion a complete ban on non-essential helicopter flights over Manhattan.”…