A NYPD spokesperson told Business Insider that authorities responded to the initial call regarding the crash between Manhattan and Jersey City at 3:17pm local time.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter involved is the Bell 206, a popular multi-purpose model, and the National Road Safety Commission will lead the investigation.
It was not immediately clear how many people were on board.
In a statement on X, NYC mayor Eric Adams called the crash “courtly and tragic.” He urged bystanders to avoid the area near Pier 40 in Manhattan.
Calls to the company in Louisiana, the registered owner of the helicopter, were unanswered.
The recent crash on a plane has raised awareness of aviation safety, but Thursday's incident appears to have nothing to do with the crash on the airline so far.
The Hudson River watches helicopter traffic between the area's airports and tourist flights through locations like the Statue of Liberty. Pilots must use corridors and specific flight rules specified by the FAA.
And in 2019, a helicopter crashed into the roof of a skyscraper, killing the pilot.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
