Helicopter Carrying British Tourists Crashes In New York City River

Helicopter Carrying British Tourists Crashes In New York City River
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A helicopter carrying four British passengers crashed in New York City's East River, killing at least one woman.

The pilot and three passengers were pulled from the water and were initially reported to be alive but in a serious condition.

The helicopter was reported to have crashed into the river near to 34th Street in Manhattan after taking off from a launch pad on the riverbank.

The Bell 407 helicopter was submerged in the murky water, police spokesman Paul Browne said.

New York City detective Martin Speechley told Sky News that he understood all of the people were pulled from the helicopter after it had sunk into the water.

More than ten rescue boats and divers were involved in the rescue mission, the AP reported.

The AP quoted Joy Garnett and her husband who were nearby when they heard the helicopter take off and get into trouble.

"I thought, 'Is that some daredevil move?'" she told the AP. "But it was obviously out of control. The body spun around at least two or three times, and then it went down."

"It didn't make much noise," she said. "It was just a splash and sunk."