"Small Aircraft Hits NYC High-Rise"

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Small Aircraft Hits NYC High-Rise
Manhattan Building Ablaze; Officials Unsure If Aircraft Was A Plane Or
Helicopter
CBS News/AP


Fast Facts

The FBI said they have "No indication this has anything to do with
terrorism." They note the crash site is near a heliport, reports CBS News.  
 
(CBS/AP) A small aircraft has hit an apartment building in New York, police
said. 

The building is described as a high-rise on Manhattan's upper east side, on
72nd Street and York Avenue. There's no word yet on any deaths or injuries. 

There are conflicting reports on whether the aircraft was a small plane or a
helicopter. 

The Federal Aviation Administration only confirms that a "small plane" has
crashed into a 22-story apartment building on East 72nd Street. They have
not confirmed reports that it was a helicopter, reports CBS News
correspondent Bob Orr. 

Video from the scene shows the building engulfed in flames. A column of gray
smoke rose over the city, and raging flames could be seen in four windows on
two upper floors. 

Meanwhile, New York Fire Department spokeswoman Emily Rahimi said an
aircraft struck the 20th floor of a building on East 72nd Street. Witnesses
said the crash caused a loud noise, and burning and falling debris was seen.
Flames were seen shooting out of the windows. 

The FBI said they have "no indication this has anything to do with
terrorism." They note the crash site is near a heliport, reports CBS News.

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