The New York City Fire Department reports that a helicopter crashed on the roof of the AXA Equitable building in the center of Manhattan at 2PM EST this afternoon.
The crash took place close to the Rockefeller Center and Times Square.
Mark Lennihan | AP
NYC Fire Department Responds To Deadly Helicopter Crash In Downtown Manhattan
The pilot of the helicopter has been pronounced dead.
Unsplash | Brandon Jacoby
Police report that no other passengers were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash, which occurred in the middle of steady rain and fog that obscured the roof of the building from view.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke to the public about the accident shortly after.
Mark Lennihan | AP
In his statement, the Governor explained that the crash "shook the building and caused a fire, but it was under control and there were no other reports of injuries."
New Yorkers have explained that the aftereffects of the crash resemble that of 9/11.
Mark Lennihan | AP
"If you’re a New Yorker, you have a level of PTSD, right, from 9/11. And I remember that morning all too well," the Governor said.
"As soon as you hear an aircraft hit a building, I think my mind goes where every New Yorker’s mind goes."
Unsplash | Antonio Lapa
It is not yet known what type of helicopter was involved in the accident, as emergency crews are still on the scene.
h/t: Associated Press
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