Pilot Escapes, Two Die After Nj-based Tour Helicopter Crashes In East River

Two people were pronounced dead Sunday after a Hudson County-based helicopter crashed into the East River in Manhattan, authorities said.

Twitter user JJ Magers captures the moment a New Jersey tour helicopter crashed into the East River Sunday.
Photo Credit: *@JJMagers Twitter*

Cecilia Levine

03/11/2018 10:11 p.m.

Kearny's Fly Liberty Charter chopper went down south of East 86th Street near Gracie Mansion around 7:15 p.m., New York City Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said.

The pilot was able to free himself and was taken to a hospital in stable condition, O'Neill said.

Police and fire divers removed the other four passengers, two of which were hospitalized in critical condition, police said.

Fly Liberty Charter wasn't immediately available for comment when Daily Voice called at 10 p.m.

The helicopter was a private charter rented for a photoshoot, according to police.

The National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting an investigation, O'Neill said.

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