Two people have died in a helicopter crash in New York City

New York City Police Department via AP

This image made from video provided by the New York City Police Department shows the scene of a helicopter crash in the East River in New York on Sunday, March 11, 2018.

• Two people died after a helicopter crashed into the East River in New York City just after 7 p.m. on Sunday.
• Six people were on board the helicopter at the time. One person has been rescued and the conditions of other passengers is not yet known.
• Witnesses reported the helicopter hitting the river sidewards and then inverting.
• The FAA is investigating the incident.

Two people died after a helicopter crashed in New York City's East River on Sunday evening.

A spokesman for the mayor's office, Eric Phillips, confirmed the fatalities, and said at least one person was rescued from the river. At the time, divers were still in the water.

The US Coast Guard confirmed six people were on board at the time of the incident and that five people had been recovered, though their conditions are unknown.

The crash, which occurred just after 7 p.m. on Sunday, was filmed by a bystander. In the video the helicopter appears to hit the water and then tip over.

Other witnesses said the helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350, sunk quickly, and that at least one passenger was able to emerge and wave their arms for help.

"It kind of hit sideways and just flipped over," Brianna Jesme, an Upper East Side resident told Reuters TV.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident and the National Transportation Safety Board will be arriving on Monday morning to begin determining the cause of the accident.

This is a developing story. Click here for updates.