Helicopter falls apart midair in New York (VIDEOS)

A helicopter crashed into New York City’s Hudson River near Pier 40 on Thursday afternoon, with dramatic videos showing the aircraft breaking apart midair before plunging into the water.

The incident, which occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time, reportedly killed all six people on board, a law enforcement source told the Associated Press. Sources told The New York Post that the victims included two adults, three children, and the pilot. However, authorities have yet to officially confirm the full extent of casualties.

Eyewitness footage shared on social media captured the moment the Bell 206 helicopter’s main rotor and tail boom separated while still airborne. The rotor blades, fully detached from the fuselage, could be seen continuing to spin as they fell separately from the body of the aircraft, before both sections struck the water.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed that multiple rescue boats responded to the scene, surrounding the mostly submerged, upside-down helicopter. Initial reports indicated that the pilot was pulled from the water alive, though the full casualty count remains unconfirmed.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area near West Side Highway and Spring Street due to ongoing emergency operations and traffic disruptions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet determined what led to the apparent in-flight breakup.