Hudson River Helicopter Crash Spurs Safety Concerns

A Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Pier 40 in New York City, causing fatalities. There were conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties, with sources citing between four to six people aboard, including two adults and three children. Witnesses claimed the helicopter 'split in half' before submerging, and initial investigations suggest the helicopter's blade may have detached mid-flight. Emergency responders from the NYPD and US Coast Guard quickly established a safety zone and halted vessel traffic to manage rescue operations. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. local time, with ongoing investigations by the FAA and NTSB to determine the cause. The crash revives concerns about helicopter flight safety over New York City, which has seen multiple incidents over the decades.