A helicopter crash landed into the top of a building in Midtown Manhattan on Monday afternoon, killing one person, CNN and the New York Times reported.
The sole occupant of the helicopter was the pilot, who is believed to be dead, according to CNN and the Times. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that the one fatality is “presumed” to be the pilot.
De Blasio told reporters there is no indication that the incident was an act of terror, but the officials have not yet determined a cause for the crash.
“There were no other injuries that we know of at this point in time to anyone in the building or on the ground. And I want to just say, thank God for that,” de Blasio told reporters Monday. “This could have been a much worse incident. And thank God no other people were injured in this absolute shocking, stunning incident.”
President Trump has been “briefed on the helicopter crash,” the White House said in a statement. He is monitoring the situation. In a tweet, he praised the “GREAT First Responders” on the scene.
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
Footage of the scene showed a significant emergency response. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo arrived on the scene and told reporters that the helicopter crashed onto the rooftop of the building “for one reason or another” and caused a fire.
The fire has now been extinguished, according to the New York Police Department.
PRELIMINARY UPDATE: There was a helicopter hard landing on the roof of 787 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Fire has been extinguished. Please continue to avoid the area. https://t.co/pBvrbD1MGh
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 10, 2019
“People who were in the building said they felt the building shake, the fire department believes the fire is under control,” Cuomo told reporters. “There may have been casualties involved (with) people in the helicopter.”
The building is located on 7th Avenue, between 51st and 52nd Streets. It’s a very busy area of Manhattan, near Times Square.
Video of smoke rising from the roof of a building in Manhattan after a helicopter made a hard landing on the roof and caught fire#Manhattan #NewYork pic.twitter.com/5QFgLUKu44
— CNW (@ConflictsW) June 10, 2019
No one in the building is believed to have been injured, according to “preliminary information” Cuomo shared with reporters.
While speaking to reporters, the governor acknowledged the unease New Yorkers inevitably feel from any aircraft-related accident in Manhattan.
“If you’re are New Yorker you have a level of PTSD, right? From 9/11,” he said. “And I remember that morning all too well. So as soon as you hear an aircraft hit a building, I think my mind goes where every New Yorker’s mind goes.”
New York Gov. Cuomo gives an update on helicopter crash landing in NYC pic.twitter.com/5fHYPVHyyc
— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) June 10, 2019
This is a developing story.
