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Key Takeaways:

• Six fatalities occurred when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.
• Victims included three adults and three children, some visiting from Spain.
• The helicopter broke apart midair before crashing upside-down into the river.
• The aircraft was a tour charter flying along the Hudson River.
• An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

A Catastrophic Midair Breakup

A helicopter broke apart in midair and crashed upside-down into the Hudson River between Manhattan and the New Jersey waterfront on Thursday afternoon, officials reported. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of six people, including three adults and three children.

Victims Included Tourists from Spain

At least some of the victims were family members visiting from Spain, according to officials from New York and New Jersey. Their identities have not been publicly released pending notification of relatives. The loss has sent shockwaves through both local communities and abroad.

Incident Occurred Shortly After 3 p.m.

A report of the downed aircraft near the West Side Highway and Spring Street came in shortly after 3 p.m. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene. “Six people, three adults and three children, were pulled from the water and pronounced dead a short time later,” Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference.

Helicopter Was a Tour Charter

Three law enforcement sources indicated that the helicopter is believed to have been a tour charter flying along the Hudson River at the time of the crash. Tour helicopters are a common sight along the river, offering aerial views of New York City’s iconic skyline.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. “A cause is under investigation,” officials stated. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to assist in the inquiry.

Community in Mourning

The devastating incident has left both residents and visitors shaken. As the investigation continues, questions linger about the safety of aerial tours and the circumstances that led to the helicopter’s midair disintegration.