STATEMENT FROM
GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON
"There is a heroic pilot, who saved himself and approximately 154 other passengers this afternoon. We have had a miracle on 34th street, I believe we now have a miracle on the Hudson.
"This was potentially a very tragic incident. Yet, somehow, this pilot, without any engines, was able to land the plane, with what appears to be few, if any, serious injuries to any of the passengers. The effort was assisted by ferries in the water, New York Waterway's ferries, the Circle Line, also the Coast Guard got involved. The agencies of the City and the State also collaborated. Our Department of Environmental Conservation will now help as part of the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board will be here shortly to conduct a full investigation of the plane and the runway.
"I think for all the times that we have had to appear at these press conferences in rather dismal circumstances, today, we realize how blessed this city is, and how blessed all of us are, particularly the survivors and their families. In simplicity, this is really a potential tragedy that may become one of the most spectacular days in the history of New York City's agencies, their coordination and the greatness of the people that worked to help the passengers, who will return home to their families."
Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. Check it out.
