BREAKING: US Airways Jet Crashes In Hudson River

A US Airways jetliner has crash landed in the Hudson River just after takeoff at LaGuardia. The aircraft is in the center of the river approximately over the Lincoln Tunnel. Numerous commuter ferries have rushed to the scene to rescue passengers, many of whom are standing on the planes wings. Unconfirmed reports suggest the jet may have struck a flock of geese during takeoff. More shortly.

UPDATE: The geese story is confirmed. Witnesses saw the jet plow through a rising flock of geese at the end of the runway. The pilot made a controlled landing in the Hudson without lowering his landing gear. NYC's 911 system is presently overwhelmed by tens of thousands of calls from terrified residents who watched the plane barrel along the river exactly as happened on 9/11. The flight was en route to Charlotte, NC with 146 passengers and five crew. JMG reader ChrisB points us to this photo taken by a passenger on one the first ferry to arrive at the scene. Afternoon ferry service between midtown Manhattan and New Jersey is suspended until further notice.

UPDATE II: All passengers and crew were rescued safely and are being treated for hypothermia at nearby hospitals in Manhattan and New Jersey. All involved are crediting the pilot and crew for a fantastic performance. It's being noted that the location of the incident is probably the best possible location for a water landing in the United States, with dozens of passenger watercraft only two or three minutes from the scene. The jetliner is slowly sinking and being swept downriver.

BELOW: My pal Aaron sends us this view from his place in Jersey City.