Helicopter crashes into New York City's Hudson River

• A helicopter crashed into New York City's Hudson River on Thursday.
• A New York Police Department spokesperson told Business Insider an investigation is underway.
• Recent airline crashes have increased awareness of aviation safety, but the incident appears unrelated for now.

A helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan in New York City on Thursday afternoon, officials said.

An NYPD spokesperson told Business Insider that authorities responded to initial calls about the crash between Manhattan and Jersey City at 3:17 p.m. local time.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter involved was a Bell 206, a popular and versatile model, and that the National Transportation Safety Board would lead the investigation.

It was not immediately clear how many people were on board

Calls to the helicopter's registered owner, a Louisiana firm, were unanswered.

A recent spate of plane crashes has heightened awareness of aviation safety, but Thursday's incident appears to have no relation to the airline crashes for now.

The Hudson River sees heavy helicopter traffic between area airports and tourist flights over sites like the Statue of Liberty. Pilots are required to use corridors and specific flight rules designated by the FAA.

It's not the first time a helicopter has crashed into the rivers near New York City. In 2018, five people died after a helicopter made an emergency landing in the East River and flipped upside down, trapping the passengers inside.

And in 2019, a helicopter crash-landed on the roof of a skyscraper, killing the pilot.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.