New York, 30 minutes ago – A serious helicopter crash occurred over the Hudson River earlier this afternoon, shaking the New York City community. Police are now intensifying efforts to search for victims after confirming that the three youngest passengers – all children – have been found in critical condition.

According to preliminary information from the New York Police Department (NYPD), the private helicopter was reportedly on a sightseeing tour around Manhattan when it suddenly lost control and plunged into the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge around 2:15 PM (local time). Authorities said the helicopter was carrying seven people in total: two pilots and five passengers, including three children.

Chaotic Scene and Urgent Rescue Operation

Residents near the Hudson River reported hearing a loud explosion followed by the sound of the helicopter crashing into the water. Several witnesses said the aircraft was spinning in the air before nose-diving into the river. Within minutes, water rescue teams, police, and emergency medical personnel were on the scene to begin rescue operations.

According to a spokesperson for the New York Fire Department (FDNY), the three children were the first to be pulled from the water and were immediately transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. One child reportedly received CPR on-site. “We are doing everything we can to save those lives,” said the FDNY spokesperson.

Cause of Crash Under Investigation

The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal investigation. One of the two pilots has been identified as an experienced flyer who regularly operated tourist flights over New York. Unofficial sources indicated that the crashed helicopter was a Bell 407, commonly used for private and commercial flights.

Some aviation experts noted that the weather in the area at the time of the crash was relatively favorable, with no strong winds or heavy rain. This raises questions about a possible mechanical failure or human error. “We are not ruling anything out,” said an FAA representative during a brief press conference at the scene.

Families in Shock and Despair

At the hospital, families of the victims arrived in deep shock and emotional distress. One man, believed to be the father of one of the children, collapsed upon hearing that his son was in critical condition. Trauma counselors have been brought in to provide emotional support for the affected families.

“We are hoping for a miracle,” one relative told reporters through tears. Mount Sinai Hospital has confirmed that its medical team is doing everything possible to save the children.

New Yorkers Unite in Prayer and Support

Following news of the accident, hundreds of locals gathered along the Hudson River shoreline to pray for the victims. Several churches and community groups are holding special prayer services this evening. On social media, hashtags like #HudsonHelicopterCrash and #PrayForTheVictims are being shared rapidly.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the crash site and pledged full support for the victims’ families. “We are facing a terrible tragedy, but I believe that the unity and compassion of New Yorkers will help us through this,” he said.

Hope Remains

Although the situation remains critical, rescue teams and emergency responders continue to search tirelessly for those still missing. Professional divers have been deployed from specialized rescue units to comb the depths of the Hudson River. In addition to the three children, four adults – including the two pilots and two passengers – remain unaccounted for.

A police spokesperson stated: “We will continue searching through the night if we have to. Every minute counts.”

This accident has once again raised serious questions about the safety of sightseeing helicopter tours in New York – a service that has grown increasingly popular in recent years. Many residents and experts are calling for stricter oversight from authorities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.