One dead as chopper crashes into 54-storey building in New York

One person has died after a helicopter crashed on top of a skyscraper in Manhattan, New York’s fire department has said.

The pilot of the helicopter was killed after it crashed on the roof of a 54-storey office building in rainy weather shortly before 2pm local time (8pm GMT).

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.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 10, 2019

Dozens of emergency vehicles swarmed the area around Seventh Avenue between 51st and 52nd streets, not far from Times Square and Rockefeller Centre.

Governor 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.

The Federal Aviation Administration said that “preliminary information is that only the pilot was on board” the Agusta A109E helicopter.

A fire that broke out following the crash was quickly brought under control, Mr Cuomo said. “People who were in the building said they felt the building shake,” he said.