One pilot is dead after crash landing his helicopter atop a 54-story building in Midtown Manhattan on Monday afternoon, according to New York City’s fire department.
The hard landing occurred at the AXA Equitable Center on 7th Avenue and West 49th Street around 2 p.m. EST, according to NBC New York. The building’s roof does not have a helipad.
Images from the scene of today’s helicopter crash at 787 7th Ave. in Manhattan. #FDNY members remain on scene. There is one fatality reported. pic.twitter.com/7qyyJWrMsw
— FDNY (@FDNY) June 10, 2019
Speaking to reporters near the scene, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said of the incident: “The only indication was a helicopter had to do an emergency or a hard landing, or crashed onto the rooftop of a building.”
“There’s no indication of anything more than that,” he added.
The incident is believed to be an accident and there is no indication of terrorism, one senior FAA official told ABC News.
One eyewitness shared purported footage to social media of the scene.
787 7th ave, #midtown NYC. We’re 1 block south. 20 mins ago there was a loud sound like a too-low #helicopter & I looked up and saw sheet of flame on roof and then smoke. News reports saying helicopter/small plane crash onto roof which would be consistent with what I heard/saw. pic.twitter.com/swY3ksLskH
— Lance Koonce (@LHKoonce) June 10, 2019
A separate video purportedly shows the pilot flying erratically prior to crash landing.
DEVELOPING: helicopter crashed into a building in Midtown Manhattan at 51st and 7th. Here is footage of the helicopter flying erratically before the crash (via @ThingsWendySees) pic.twitter.com/zCowdKvKuL
— Cooper Lawrence (@CooperLawrence) June 10, 2019
One office building near the site was reportedly evacuated.
President Donald Trump was brief on the crash shortly after it occurred and later tweeted: “I have been briefed on the helicopter crash in New York City. Phenomenal job by our GREAT First Responders who are currently on the scene. THANK YOU for all you do 24/7/365! The Trump Administration stands ready should you need anything at all.”
I have been briefed on the helicopter crash in New York City. Phenomenal job by our GREAT First Responders who are currently on the scene. THANK YOU for all you do 24/7/365! The Trump Administration stands ready should you need anything at all.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 10, 2019
This story is developing. Check Breitbart News for updates.
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