NATIONAL NEWS
January 16, 2009
An Amazing Rescue
All passengers are safe after a plane lands in the Hudson River
A dramatic, icy rescue took place after a US Airways passenger plane landed in the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday afternoon. There were 150 passengers and 5 crewmembers on board. Thanks to a skilled pilot, a rapid rescue and a whole lot of luck, there was only one report of a serious injury-one passenger suffered two broken legs--from all 155 people aboard the plane.
 |  ERIC THAYER—REUTERS Rescue workers bring passengers safely aboard a ferry. |
The plane had taken off from La Guardia airport in New York City at 3:26pm. It was bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. It crashed just minutes after takeoff.
The crash was likely caused by a flock of birds that slammed into the two engines of the jet. Birds regularly tangle with airplanes, but it very rarely causes a problem.
Officials will interview the US Airways crew and examine the plane for more clues about the cause of the crash.
Quick Rescue, Happy EndingCold winter weather made the rescue effort even more urgent. It was barely 20 degrees in New York City. The water was a frigid 36 degrees. Many passengers stood on the wings of the aircraft while waiting to board rescue boats. Coast Guard and ferry boats arrived on the scene within minutes.
Paramedics treated many passengers for hypothermia, a physical condition caused by extreme cold. But most passengers were relieved to have the entire experience behind them. "You're happy to be alive," explained 23-year-old passenger Bill Zuhoski.
