President Donald Trump extended his condolences on social media after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday, killing all six people on board.

The Context

The helicopter, a Bell 206, crashed after breaking apart in midair on Thursday afternoon, New York law enforcement officials said at a news conference.

The victims in the crash were the pilot and a family of five tourists from Spain, which included three children, New York City mayor Eric Adams said.

An investigation into the cause of the crash, which is the latest in a string of recent aviation disasters that have made headlines, is ongoing.

What To Know

“Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us,” Trump posted on Truth Social a little after 7:10 p.m. ET.

“The footage of the accident is horrendous,” he added. “God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!”

Multiple people and news outlets published harrowing footage of the crash, which happened about 17 minutes after the helicopter took off from the downtown Manhattan at 3 p.m.

The crash site was near Pier 40, closer to the Jersey City side of the Hudson River.

Police started getting multiple reports of the incident at 3:17 p.m., the New York City Police Department said.

Rescue units arrived at the site “within minutes,” NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch said at Thursday’s presser.

“NYPD units from aviation, harbor, scuba and patrol all responded, with our first units arriving at the site within minutes. Our NYPD divers entered the water, along with rescue personnel from FDNY, Port Authority and various New Jersey agencies,” Tisch said. “NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, and FDNY divers recovered an additional two.”

“Immediate lifesaving measures were undertaken on the vessels on the scene as well as the adjoining pier,” the NYPD commissioner said. “Four victims were pronounced dead on scene, and two more were removed to local area hospitals, where sadly both succumbed to their injuries.”

“Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board and all six who were on board of the helicopter,” Adams said at the news conference.

Officials are not releasing their names while the investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The helicopter involved in the deadly crash was operated by the company New York Helicopter Tours. Multiple calls to the company from Newsweek were not returned on Thursday afternoon.

What People Are Saying

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in an earlier statement to Newsweek: “A Bell 206 helicopter crashed and is submerged in the Hudson River in New York City. The number of people on board is unknown at this time. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.”

Adams said during Thursday’s news conference: “Again, we’re praying for the families and our gratitude to the rescuers and the courage that was displayed and their dedication.”

What Happens Next

In addition to local law enforcement officials, the FAA and NTSB are also investigating how the helicopter crashed.

A spokesperson for Skyports, one of the companies that manage the heliport the Bell 206 took off from, told media outlets the firm is “cooperating with all of the appropriate agencies and thank all of the first responders for their efforts.”

Update 4/10/25 8:12 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.