BBC News

• Two people were killed when a small aircraft crashed into a building in New York City's affluent Upper East Side, police say.

New York, Oct 12: 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.

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Aircraft crashes into Manhattan building

NEW YORK - A small aircraft crashed into a high-rise on the Upper East Side, setting off a fire and startling New Yorkers, police said. There were conflicting reports on whether the aircraft was a small plane or a helicopter.

"There‘s huge pieces of debris falling," said one witness who refused to give her full name. "There‘s so much falling now, I‘ve got to get away."

The address of the building is 524 E. 72nd Street — a 50-story condominium tower built in 1986 and located nearby Sotheby‘s Auction House. It has 183 apartments, many of which sell for more than $1 million.