2006-10-11 08:40:35 · 23 answers · asked by Andy K 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ New York City
NEW YORK - A small plane crashed into a high-rise on the Upper East Side, raining down debris on Manhattan and unleashing what witnesses reported was a gigantic fireball, police said.
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.
The aircraft struck the 20th floor of a building on East 72nd Street, said Fire Department spokeswoman Emily Rahimi. Witnesses said the crash caused a loud noise, and flames were seen shooting out of the windows.
"It's a mob scene with police and helicopters circling," said Sandy Teller, watching from his apartment a block away. "There's a dozen ambulances and lots of firemen waiting on 72nd, on the corner. There's lots of stretchers ready, gurneys. And lots of emergency people waiting."
The crash struck fear in a city devastated by the attacks of Sept. 11 five years ago. Witnesses said sirens echoed across the east side of Manhattan as emergency workers rushed to the scene. The crash triggered a loud bang. Broken glass and debris was strewn around the neighborhood.
"There's a sense of helpnessness," Teller said. "Cots and gurneys, waiting. It's a mess."
The Federal Aviation Administration said it was too early to determine what type of aircraft was involved, or what might have caused the crash in the middle of a hazy October afternoon.
Witness Sarah Steiner, who lives one block away, told CNN that "The fire was raging out of two windows on approximately the 30th floor. ... They are evacuating the building."
The address of the building is 524 E. 72nd Street — a 50-story condominium tower built in the late 1980s and located near Sotheby's Auction House. The Belaire Condo, developed by William Zeckendorf Jr., has 183 apartments, many of which sell for more than $1 million.
2006-10-11 08:43:57 · answer #1 · answered by lilshorty3088 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Got these details...
A small aircraft has crashed into a building in New York City's affluent Upper East Side, causing a fire.
TV pictures show flames and smoke coming out of the high-rise apartment building on Manhattan island.
The FBI has told the BBC that there is no indication that the crash is terrorism-related.
A spokeswoman for the New York Fire Department said the aircraft had struck the 20th floor of a building on East 72nd Street.
Witnesses told the Associated Press (AP) news agency the crash caused a loud noise, and burning and falling debris was seen.
BBC correspondent Guto Harri in Manhattan says there are scenes of chaos on the streets, with fire engines, police cars and ambulances blocking nearby roads.
AP identified the building as the Belaire, a prestigious 50-storey residential tower.
2006-10-11 15:43:15 · answer #2 · answered by Dan 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A small plane crashed into a high-rise building. There aren't any reports of what kind of plane it was, but it could be a helicopter. The FAA(Federal Aviation Admin.) doesn't know yet. It can't be an act of terrorism though, because it's not on a big scale like 9/11.
2006-10-11 15:43:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The story is still developing. You can watch and read it on CNN.com Here is a brief excerpt.
Small plane smashes into high-rise building
Witness: Huge flames, people were screaming
President informed; crash believed to be accident
NORAD orders aircraft patrol cities as precautionary measure
2006-10-11 15:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by Night Wind 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They just scrambled jets supposedly. Its confirmed it was a fixed wing plane, not a helicopter and can't confirm its a terrorist attack. The viewer witness is saying the pilot looked to be trying to avoid hitting the building and his plane could have been in trouble.
2006-10-11 15:50:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reuters - A small aircraft crashed into a building on Manhattan's Upper East Side on Wednesday, but a U.S. official said there was no evidence it was terrorism-related.
2006-10-11 15:43:28 · answer #6 · answered by david429835 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a light aircraft hit an appartment block. Pandemonium going on, 2 dead apparently, it was just breaking news not long ago, need to find out more. People are trapped inside the building, that`s all i know up to now.
2006-10-11 15:44:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
news says a small plane hit a high rise in Manhattan. not related to terrorism
2006-10-11 15:43:53 · answer #8 · answered by Brenda R 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
See BBC news 24
2006-10-11 15:51:11 · answer #9 · answered by Mike H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
So far,,only that it is a private plane & hit an apartment highrise.
2006-10-11 15:42:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋