One person is dead after a helicopter crash-landed onto the rooftop of a high-rise building in midtown Manhattan.
The New York City Fire Department confirmed there was a helicopter crash at a high-rise building in the city. The crash occurred around 2 p.m. at the 54-story AXA Equitable Center on 7th Avenue, near Times Square. FDNY says that the pilot died in the crash. A small fire occurred as a result of the accident, but was under control as of 3 p.m.
It is not yet clear why the pilot crashed on the roof of the building or who owns the helicopter. There is no landing pad on the top of the building that the helicopter hit.
White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said that President Trump has been briefed on the crash and is continuing to monitor the situation.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a brief press conference just after the crash. He said that there is “no indication” that the incident was intentional.
“If you are a New Yorker you have a level of PTSD from 9/11. As soon as you hear an aircraft hit a a building, my mind goes where the mind of every New Yorker goes,” Cuomo said.
The FAA said it is still gathering information about the accident and that it would post a statement once more is known.
787 7th ave, #midtown NYC. We’re 1 block south. 20 mins ago there was a loud sound like a too-low #helicopter & I looked up and saw sheet of flame on roof and then smoke. News reports saying helicopter/small plane crash onto roof which would be consistent with what I heard/saw. pic.twitter.com/swY3ksLskH
— Lance Koonce (@LHKoonce) June 10, 2019
MAN 2-ALARM 787 7 AVE, HIGH RISE HELICOPTER CRASH INTO BUILDING,
— FDNYalerts (@FDNYAlerts) June 10, 2019
Witnesses described the building shaking after the helicopter slammed into the roof.
There is footage that reportedly shows the helicopter flying erratically before the crash. The weather in New York City around the time of the accident was rainy and overcast with a low ceiling.
DEVELOPING: helicopter crashed into a building in Midtown Manhattan at 51st and 7th. Here is footage of the helicopter flying erratically before the crash (via @ThingsWendySees) pic.twitter.com/zCowdKvKuL
— Cooper Lawrence (@CooperLawrence) June 10, 2019
Trump praised first responders in a tweet about an hour after the crash.
“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,” Trump said.
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
Streets in the heart of Manhattan were closed in response to the crash. The area covers about 15 city blocks and includes Times Square.
UPDATE from @NYPDTransport: pedestrian and vehicular traffic closures in place from 42nd to 57th streets between 8 Avenue to 6 Avenue in Manhattan. Please use alternate routes.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 10, 2019
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a press conference that there is no indication that the crash was an act of terror and that “there is no ongoing threat to New York City.”
Speaking at a White House event Monday, Trump said he has been in communication with Cuomo.
“I spoke with Gov. Cuomo about the helicopter accident in New York,” Trump said. “It’s a big tragedy. There will be a report in a little while as to what happened and why it happened, but a very sad event.”
UPDATE: The @FDNY has released these photos of the helicopter wreckage. The pilot was killed in the crash. pic.twitter.com/EutVNXgxWs
— Lindsey Mastis (@LindseyMastis) June 10, 2019
