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2 dead after helicopter plunges into East River in New York City

Click to play video: 'Helicopter crashes into East River in New York City'
Helicopter crashes into East River in New York City
WATCH: Helicopter crashes into East River in New York City – Mar 11, 2018

At least two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into the East River in New York City on Sunday evening, according to local authorities

The fatalities were confirmed by Eric Phillips, spokesperson for New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, on Twitter.

Three survivors were removed from the helicopter by divers, and were rushed to hospital in critical condition, according to the New York Fire Department. The pilot freed himself and was also taken to hospital

Paramedics and members of the NYFD perform CPR on a victim of a helicopter crash in New York, U.S., March 11, 2018.
Paramedics and members of the NYFD perform CPR on a victim of a helicopter crash in New York, U.S., March 11, 2018. REUTERS/Darren Ornitz

A video filmed by an onlooker and shared on Twitter appeared to show the helicopter descending towards the river and crashing, before flipping onto its side.

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The helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350, went down near Roosevelt Island at around 7 p.m. and was upside-down in the water, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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The chopper was a tour helicopter owned by New-Jersey based Liberty Helicopter Tours, officials said.

Officials didn’t disclose any information about the cause of the crash.

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