A helicopter has crashed into the Hudson River just off Manhattan in New York City, resulting in the deaths of six people, according to multiple news reports.

The incident, which occurred in the early afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the city as emergency crews respond to the scene and authorities begin investigating the cause of the tragedy.

The Associated Press (AP), as reported by The Morning Call, confirmed that six individuals perished in the crash.

An AP source stated that the fire department received a call about a helicopter in the water at 3:17 p.m. PDT, though it remains unclear whether this reflects local time or an adjusted reporting time.

The initial report’s brevity underscores the story’s developing nature, with further details still emerging.

ABC News provided additional context, noting that the crash occurred near New York City on Thursday afternoon, with law enforcement sources confirming fatalities.

According to fire officials cited by ABC, at least four people were known to be on board, though the total number of passengers and crew has yet to be fully clarified.

Social media posts circulating shortly after the incident included videos showing the helicopter upside down and mostly submerged in the river, offering a grim visual of the aftermath.

Local news outlet WOWT 6 News described the event as a “breaking update,” aligning with the AP’s account of six deaths.

Their report emphasized the helicopter’s location in the Hudson River near Manhattan, reinforcing the proximity to one of the nation’s busiest urban centers.

Similarly, WTOL 11 Toledo reported the same casualty figure, citing an AP source and noting the crash’s occurrence on Thursday afternoon.

Witness accounts shared on social media and reported by some outlets added chilling details.

One post on X claimed that the helicopter appeared to break apart mid-flight before plunging into the water, though authorities have not yet confirmed this observation. Emergency crews were quick to respond, with rescue and recovery efforts underway as of the latest updates.

This tragedy echoes previous aviation incidents in New York City’s waterways. In 2009, a collision between a plane and a tourist helicopter over the Hudson River claimed nine lives, while a 2018 “open door” charter helicopter crash in the East River killed five.

These historical parallels, noted in AP reporting, highlight the challenges of air traffic in the densely populated region and may prompt renewed scrutiny of safety protocols.

As of now, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or specified the type of helicopter involved.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to lead the inquiry, with early speculation ranging from mechanical failure to human error. Posts on X reflect a mix of mourning and curiosity, with users calling for updates as the situation unfolds.