Aircraft crashes into Upper East Side building

newsday .com


this is insane

NEW YORK - A small aircraft crashed into a high-rise on the Upper East Side, setting off a fire and startling New Yorkers, police said. There were conflicting reports on whether the aircraft was a small plane or a helicopter.


Fire Department spokeswoman Emily Rahimi said an aircraft struck struck the 20th floor of a building on East 72nd Street. Witnesses said the crash caused a loud noise, and burning and falling debris was seen. Flames were seen shooting out of the windows. Video from the scene showed at least three apartments in the high rise fully engulfed in flames.

'There's huge pieces of debris falling,' said one witness who refused to give her full name. 'There's so much falling now, I've got to get away.'

Whether anyone was injured was not known, and it was unclear if the crash was an act of terrorism.

The address of the building is 524 E. 72nd Street — a 50-story condominium tower built in 1986 and located nearby Sotheby's Auction House. It has 183 apartments, many of which sell for more than $1 million.

OMG
yea this is the link for newsday ,,

here

that is so scary

yeah they said they think its a helicopter Tone

I hope no one was in the apt's!!

---

Posted by chrissyandvin

yeah they said they think its a helicopter Tone

---

sad,,, there is a pic of it when u search the news,, crazy,,

yeah I'm watching it live on the computer from news 4.. the video

I just read that two people are dead

---

Posted by chrissyandvin

yeah I'm watching it live on the computer from news 4.. the video

---

cant get video here ,,

its got to be terrorist

Update: Workers are apparently trapped on the roof of the building. We also hear that the streets are packed with people, many taking cameraphone pictures.

The MTA is reporting that bus service in the area will experience some delays.

Update: City and the FDNY have confirmed that a helicopter crashed into the building. WABC 7 reports that the helicopter was flying in 'exclusion airspace.'

All local news channels have joined NY1 and CNN with live coverage. A witness told WNBC, 'There's huge pieces of debris falling. There's so much falling now, I've got to get away.' WCBS 2 reports that a helictoper had been in the air for a photography tour, 'but there is NO confirmation that that is the aircraft which collided into the building.'

Update: CNN reports that air patrols are being deployed. And the FAA says it was a fixed wing aircraft that crashed into the building; NORAD says they were not tracking any aircraft.


Update: WNBC 4 is reporting that some people saw airplane/seaplane/helicopter made a sharp right turn into the building. Luggage was found on street along with two bodies and the wheels of the aircraft. And according to the WNBC.com website:

Christine Monaco, a New York spokeswoman for FBI, said there was indication of terrorism in the crash, but that officials 'have been sent to the scene as a routine.' FAA spokesman Jim Peters said all three New York City-area airports are operating normally.

Update: Workers are apparently trapped on the roof of the building. We also hear that the streets are packed with people, many taking cameraphone pictures.

The MTA is reporting that bus service in the area will experience some delays.

Update: City and the FDNY have confirmed that a helicopter crashed into the building. WABC 7 reports that the helicopter was flying in 'exclusion airspace.'

Update: CNN reports that air patrols are being deployed. And the FAA says it was a fixed wing aircraft that crashed into the building; NORAD says they were not tracking any aircraft.

Update: WNBC 4 is reporting that some people saw airplane/seaplane/helicopter made a sharp right turn into the building. Luggage was found on street along with two bodies and the wheels of the aircraft. And according to the WNBC.com website:

Christine Monaco, a New York spokeswoman for FBI, said there was indication of terrorism in the crash, but that officials 'have been sent to the scene as a routine.' FAA spokesman Jim Peters said all three New York City-area airports are operating normally.

brings back so many bad memories from 9/11

They say the plane was registered to a NY Yankees player and they arent sure if he was on the plane or not. They did say he was suppposed to be heading home today.

There were 4 Fatalities from the plane crash. Very Sad News

---

Posted by prettyprincess07

They say the plane was registered to a NY Yankees player and they arent sure if he was on the plane or not. They did say he was suppposed to be heading home today.

---

Your correct, and it's NOT terrorists. The pitcher just bought the palne, and has been flying for 7 months. A member of a NY Yankees organzation was on the Plane. His name is Cory Lidle. He got is pilots license in the off season. God Bless his family. and THANK GOD it wasn't terrorists. A terrible accident. He purchased the place for 187K, and his passport, was found on the street. Law enforcement officials, found it below the reckage