NEW YORK – One person was killed when a helicopter crashed on the roof of a 54-story building in midtown Manhattan Monday, sparking a fire and drawing a massive emergency response.
It happened shortly before 2 p.m. under rainy conditions at the AXA Equitable building at 787 Seventh Ave. The crash spurred an evacuation as crews raced to the top floor to douse the flames.
Authorities say one person who is presumed to be the pilot was killed in the crash. They believe the pilot was the sole occupant of the helicopter, which was privately owned.
The crash happened in a part of the city that is under a flight restriction due to its proximity to Trump Tower. Mayor Bill de Blasio says the helicopter would have needed the approval of LaGuardia Tower before heading there, but it’s unclear if that happened.
The mayor says there’s no indication that there is any terrorism linked to the crash, and says there is no ongoing danger to New Yorkers.
City officials say the crash sparked a fuel leak, which has since been mitigated. They say the building is safe, but NYPD and FDNY crews were remaining at the scene as they awaited the arrival of federal investigatory agencies.
“Thank God no other people were injured in this absolutely shocking, stunning incident,” said Mayor de Blasio, who lauded emergency crews for their quick response.
The helicopter had taken off from the 134th Street heliport and crashed approximately 11 minutes later.
Video posted to social media appeared to show the helicopter flying erratically ahead of the crash, suddenly plunging in the air before climbing higher.
Authorities said preliminary information suggests the helicopter was used for executive travel and may have been based in Linden, New Jersey, but that information has not yet been confirmed.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
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1 killed in helicopter crash on roof of Manhattan skyscraper
1 killed in helicopter crash on roof of Manhattan skyscraper
Monday, June 10 2019 4:23 PM EDT2019-06-10 20:23:56 GMT
One person was killed when a helicopter crashed on the roof of a 54-story building in midtown Manhattan Monday, sparking a fire and drawing a massive emergency response.
One person was killed when a helicopter crashed on the roof of a 54-story building in midtown Manhattan Monday, sparking a fire and drawing a massive emergency response.
Showers, thunderstorms expected through Tuesday morning
Showers, thunderstorms to move into the area
Monday, June 10 2019 4:53 PM EDT2019-06-10 20:53:29 GMT
Showers and eventually thunderstorms will move be possible through Tuesday morning, before better weather returns.
Showers and eventually thunderstorms will move be possible through Tuesday morning, before better weather returns.
Univision 41 News Brief: Pelotero David Ortiz es baleado en la República Dominicana
Univision 41 News Brief: Pelotero David Ortiz es baleado en la República Dominicana
El Pelotero de los Red Sox de Boston, David Ortiz, también conocido como Big Papi, fue baleado en un club nocturno de República Dominicana.
El Pelotero de los Red Sox de Boston, David Ortiz, también conocido como Big Papi, fue baleado en un club nocturno de República Dominicana.
El Pelotero de los Red Sox de Boston, David Ortiz, también conocido como Big Papi, fue baleado en un club nocturno de República Dominicana.
El Pelotero de los Red Sox de Boston, David Ortiz, también conocido como Big Papi, fue baleado en un club nocturno de República Dominicana.
Police: Teen stabbed during fight in West Babylon
Police: Teen stabbed during fight in West Babylon
Monday, June 10 2019 12:36 PM EDT2019-06-10 16:36:15 GMT
The incident happened when a group of a dozen people got into a fight on Little East Neck Road around 8:45 p.m.
The incident happened when a group of a dozen people got into a fight on Little East Neck Road around 8:45 p.m.
Ex-Boston slugger David Ortiz shot at Dominican Republic bar
Ex-Boston slugger David Ortiz shot at Dominican Republic bar
Monday, June 10 2019 11:42 AM EDT2019-06-10 15:42:54 GMT
Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target, Bautista said.
Investigators are trying to determine whether Ortiz was the intended target, Bautista said.
PHOTOS: Scene of helicopter crash in Manhattan
PHOTOS: Scene of helicopter crash in Manhattan
First responders arrive near the scene where a helicopter crash-landed on the roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper, Monday, June 10, 2019, in New York.
First responders arrive near the scene where a helicopter crash-landed on the roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper, Monday, June 10, 2019, in New York.
Photos of the scene after a helicopter crash landed on a building in Manhattan. The pilot was killed.
Photos of the scene after a helicopter crash landed on a building in Manhattan. The pilot was killed.
Your 2019 Prom Photos
Your 2019 Prom Photos
Are you or a loved one headed to the prom this year? We want to see your photos!
Are you or a loved one headed to the prom this year? We want to see your photos!
Journey tribute band Voyage rocks the Paramount
Journey tribute band Voyage rocks the Paramount
Monday, June 10 2019 9:54 AM EDT2019-06-10 13:54:34 GMT
Journey tribute band Voyage performed at a sold-out Paramount in Huntington on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
Journey tribute band Voyage performed at a sold-out Paramount in Huntington on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
73rd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall
73rd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall
The company of “Hadestown,” accept the award for best musical at the 73rd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 9, 2019, in New York.
The company of “Hadestown,” accept the award for best musical at the 73rd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 9, 2019, in New York.
James Corden hosts the 73rd annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at Radio City Musical Hall.
James Corden hosts the 73rd annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at Radio City Musical Hall.
Small plane crashes into Mattituck field
Small plane crashes into Mattituck field
Saturday, June 8 2019 1:16 PM EDT2019-06-08 17:16:24 GMT
Authorities say two people were killed when a small plane crashed into a field in Mattituck on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
Authorities say two people were killed when a small plane crashed into a field in Mattituck on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
