PHOTOS: Helicopter crashes into New York City high-rise

A view of 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
A view of 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

A helicopter crashed Monday into a building on 7th Avenue, killing the pilot and halting traffic on nearby streets in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the city Fire Department said.

The crash drew a major police and fire response to the area near Times Square. Streets around the crash site were closed on a gray, rainy day in the city.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said preliminary information indicated the helicopter made an emergency landing on the building. He said he did not know why.

"There was a fire when the helicopter hit the roof," he said. "There may have been casualties on the helicopter."

He said no one in the building was injured. The New York City Fire Department said the pilot died in the crash, not far from Rockefeller Center and Times Square.

Franklin Acosta said he was in his 38th floor office at the William Lea outsourcing company when he heard what sounded like a small airplane passing by.

“Then it stopped, and the building shook,” Acosta said. “I didn’t wait. I told my people to come down and get out of the building.”

Cuomo said police and fire officials were still obtaining information on the crash. There was no immediate indication of terrorism, he said.

"If you are a New Yorker you have a level of PTSD from 9/11" Cuomo said. "I remember that morning all too well."

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New York City Fire Department trucks are seen outside 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
New York City Fire Department trucks are seen outside 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer arrives at 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer arrives at 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
New York City firefighters suit up at the scene after a helicopter crashed atop a building and caused a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
New York City firefighters suit up at the scene after a helicopter crashed atop a building and caused a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
A view of 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
A view of 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Emergency vehicles fill the street at the scene after a helicopter crashed atop a building in Times Square and caused a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Emergency vehicles fill the street at the scene after a helicopter crashed atop a building in Times Square and caused a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo arrives at the scene after a helicopter crashed atop a building in Times Square and caused a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, New York City firefighters suit up at the scene after a helicopter crashed atop a building and caused a fire in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Emergency services first responders arrive at 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Emergency services first responders arrive at 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Emergency services first responders arrive at 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
Emergency services first responders arrive at 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
A view of 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)
A view of 787 7th Avenue in midtown Manhattan where a helicopter was reported to have crashed in New York City, New York, June 10, 2019. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

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