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Five people are dead after a helicopter crash in New York City’s East River.
Only the pilot survived the crash, despite a quick response from the New York Police Department (NYPD) and New York City Fire Department (FDNY) harbour units.
@cnn @FoxNews just witnessed a helicopter crash into the East River .. hope everyone’s ok. Caught it all on tape! pic.twitter.com/saHOMTLR69
— JJ Magers (@JJmagers) March 11, 2018
The Eurocopter AS350 went down shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday, just south of 86th Street, and it was captured on video by an eyewitness walking along the river.
A search and rescue operation immediately began, with a private tug boat assisting NYPD and FDNY officers.
FDNY members are on scene with @nypdnews for a confirmed helicopter in the East River, 8611 E 91 St. Manhattan pic.twitter.com/zojrGp2Ay0
— FDNY (@FDNY) March 11, 2018
Despite the best effort of rescuers, the Associated Press has confirmed that all passengers on board were killed.
Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three died en route or at the hospital.
According to the NYPD, the helicopter was owned by Liberty Helicopter Tours and it was a private charter for a photo shoot.
The investigation into the incident continues, with multiple National Transportation Safety Board officers on the way to New York City to assist.