Five people dead after horrific helicopter crash in New York City

Five people have died after a helicopter crashed into the East River in New York City.

The helicopter was privately charted for the day for a photoshoot when the incident occurred. A video taken by a bystander and shared on Twitter, showed the horrific moment the plane crash landed in the water, killing five.

@cnn @FoxNews just witnessed a helicopter crash into the East River .. hope everyone’s ok. Caught it all on tape! pic.twitter.com/saHOMTLR69
— JJ Magers (@JJmagers) March 11, 2018

The pilot of the aircraft was the only passenger who managed to escape and was rescued by a tugboat according to officials.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said: "One of the most difficult parts of the rescue were that five people were tightly harnessed," Nigro said, continuing that: "People had to be cut out."

It is believed that the cause of the crash was due to engine fault and the incident is currently being investigated. This is sightseeing company "Liberty Helicopters" third crash in 11 years in NYC.