Five killed in New York chopper crash

New York: At least five people were killed when a helicopter plunged into New York City's East River near Roosevelt Island on Sunday night, authorities said on Monday.

The pilot of the helicopter was the sole survivor of the crash, CNN quoted Fire Department New York (FDNY) Commissioner Daniel Nigro as saying on Monday.

Two passengers died on the spot and three others succumbed to critical injuries in hospital, according to Nigro.

"One of the most difficult parts of the rescue was that five people were tightly harnessed. People had to be cut out," he said.

In an audio recording of a Mayday call to LaGuardia Airport, the pilot could be heard saying that the helicopter was experiencing engine failure.

The Liberty Helicopters chopper had been chartered for a private photo shoot, the authorities said.

Liberty Helicopters describes itself as "the largest and most experienced helicopter sightseeing and charter service in New York City", CNN reported.