A helicopter crash in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Thursday claimed the lives of six people.
The helicopter, which was carrying tourists, fell from the sky and plunged into the Hudson River around 3 p.m., according to reports from the New York Times.
Witnesses and video footage indicated that the helicopter, believed to have had six people on board, spiraled uncontrollably before crashing into the river at a high speed.
New Jersey authorities reported that rescuers were able to recover at least two adults and three children from the wreckage or from the cold waters of the river. These victims, identified as members of a family of Spanish tourists, were rushed to nearby hospitals in Jersey City.
A sixth person, thought to be the helicopter’s pilot, remains missing, with search efforts continuing to locate them.
While the specific origin and destination of the flight have not been confirmed, it is common for tourist helicopters to operate over the Hudson River, taking passengers on sightseeing tours from heliports in both Lower Manhattan and New Jersey.
This tragic crash adds to a growing list of aviation accidents in the U.S. this year, with more than 20 crashes reported since January, resulting in over 110 fatalities.