Six people lost their lives when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. close to the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft in Jersey City.
According to the NYPD, three adults and at least two children were on board. All bodies have been recovered. City Hall sources have identified the victims as a family from Spain, and the pilot also died in the crash.
The helicopter involved was a Bell 206, as reported by the FAA. It took off from Lower Manhattan and was confirmed to be owned by Meridian Helicopters, a company based in Louisiana.
After takeoff, the helicopter reportedly flew over Governor’s Island and near the Statue of Liberty before traveling up the Hudson River along Manhattan’s West Side. It then turned around just past the George Washington Bridge and flew back down the Jersey side of the river, ultimately crashing near Jersey City.
Both the FAA and NTSB are currently investigating the crash.
