A tourist helicopter that departed from the Wall Street terminal crashed into the river just across from Pier 40 closer to Hoboken this afternoon at 3:17p. All six passengers including the pilot were killed. The Times has details here; the NYPD launched its rescue efforts from Pier 40, but the rescue operation ultimately took place in Jersey. (Thanks to M. for these shots.)

The Bell 206 helicopter departed the Downtown Skyport, east of the FDR Drive at the end of Broad Street, at 2:59pm. At 3:08pm it reached the GW Bridge and then turned to fly south; shortly afterward it lost control. The NYPD thought the helicopter hit the water inverted; the cabin was visible above the water.

Mayor Adams and the NYPD and FDNY commissioners gave a press conference on the crash from Pier 40 at 5:30 this afternoon, confirming that three adults including the pilot and three children were on board — all members of a family visiting from Spain. Rescue divers from the FDNY and the NYPD were able to remove all six victims from the water. Four were pronounced on the scene; two more died at nearby hospitals in New Jersey.

There is absolutely horrifying footage of the helicopter dropping from the sky here.

The investigation is ongoing.