Two people have been killed and three others are in critical condition following a helicopter crash in Manhattan’s East River on Sunday night.

The Associated Press reports that authorities have confirmed the deaths of two passengers in a helicopter that was carrying six people when it crashed in the East River, not far from the mayor’s Gracie Mansion residence on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, at around 7 p.m. on Sunday night.

Three passengers are reportedly in critical condition, and the pilot of the helicopter was able to free himself from the wreckage before he was rescued by a passing tugboat. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA), the water temperature in the area would have been approximately 40 degrees Farhenheit.

This is a developing story. CrimeOnline will provide updates when more information is available.

[Feature image: Associated Press]