Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump responded to the tragic news of six people who died when a helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday.
The president posted his early reaction to Truth Social, noting that more information will soon be released.
“Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims,” Trump wrote.
“Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!” he stated.
The fire department reported receiving a call at 3:17 p.m. EDT about a helicopter crash into the water, the Associated Press reported. According to an official who spoke with The Associated Press, all six individuals on board lost their lives.
Footage shared on social media captured the Bell 206 helicopter largely submerged and flipped upside-down. Several rescue boats surrounded the wreckage.
The recovery efforts took place near the end of a maintenance pier connected to a ventilation tower for the Holland Tunnel. Fire engines and emergency crews lined the nearby streets, their lights flashing as they responded to the scene.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop stated late last night that recovery operations ended at around 9:15 p.m., and major parts of the helicopter remained in the Hudson River at the time.
“Major parts of the aircraft have not been recovered so dive operations by the NYPD and NJSP will resume tomorrow morning. The pier is being secured by PA. The main body of the aircraft has been recovered and is in the army corps of engineers facility on Chapel Avenue. The JCPD is securing that location. NTSB is responding and should have a complete response by tomorrow,” the mayor wrote.
The identities were not released, but according to the mayor, the six passengers included a family from Spain.
“Terrible situation with crash of a tourist helicopter in the Hudson. Family from Spain. All 6 passengers now confirmed as deceased. Jersey City continues to be the lead on investigation till we pass to NTSB. The two juveniles were taken to the JCMC and both pronounced a short time ago,” Fulop wrote earlier.
