The
New York City Fire Department says the pilot of a
helicopter that crashed on a
Midtown Manhattan skyscraper rooftop has died.
The crash occurred shortly before 2 p.m. in rain and fog. Dozens of emergency vehicles swarmed the busy area around Seventh Avenue between 51st and 52nd streets, a few blocks north of Times Square.
The small helicopter crash landed on the roof of a tower at 787 Seventh Ave., the AXA Equitable Center, between 51st and 52nd streets.
The Fire Department says the helicopter crash landed on the top of the tower, which isn't far from Rockefeller Center and Times Square.
It was not immediately known what type of helicopter was involved.
Videos posted by onlookers showed emergency vehicles in the street, but no obvious damage to the skyscraper.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was at the scene soon after the crash, told reporters that it appeared a helicopter attempted a forced emergency landing on the roof and that no one inside the building had been injured.
Melvin Douglas, 50, who was selling umbrellas on the street, said he heard a "rumble" when the helicopter crash landed.
"I didn't see it, but I felt it," said Douglas. "Smoke was on top of the building."
A fire that broke out on the roof was quickly brought under control, the fire department said.
There were no immediate indications of any connections to terrorism.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the crash and continues to monitor the situation, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said.
Trump also commented directly on Twitter, praising the "GREAT first responders" of New York City:
"I have been briefed on the helicopter crash in New York City. Phenomenal job by our GREAT First Responders who are currently on the scene. THANK YOU for all you do 24/7/365! The Trump Administration stands ready should you need anything at all."