Plane carrying eight plunges into New York City’s East River

A small plane has smashed into a river surrounding New York City.

At least eight people have been rescued after the seaplane had a hard-landing and nearly capsized in the East River on Sunday morning.

Video shows the plane bobbing up in the water in the choppy waters as lifeboats rush to get the passengers off.

Eight people were rescued from the plane by the fire service.

Two passengers with minor injuries were evaluated by emergency medical staff, officials said.

Brian, a New Yorker, filmed the aftermath from his apartment window.

He told Metro: ‘I didn’t see the impact, only all the emergency boats rushing over after.

‘I’m so glad everyone is safe. It is amazing news.’

He added: ‘It feels like it’s happening more and more. A year or so ago we had a helicopter crash into the Hudson River.’

After the passengers were removed from the plane, the ship was put upright on the water and towed back to the docks.

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing, the NYPD said. 

It’s been an action-packed 24 hours for the Big Apple after the Brooklyn Bridge erupted in flames during a fireworks show to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Footage of the Fourth of July display shows thick black smoke billowing into the night sky from the East River crossing in New York City.

Fires raged on two sections of the bridge while colorful fireworks were launched from the span.

At least four blazes broke out across the bridge at 9.32pm, around 30 minutes into the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show.

The fires were extinguished by 10pm, with the Brooklyn Bridge closed for a further 30 minutes to traffic.

Police believe the fire was ‘very likely’ sparked by the pyrotechnics. No one was injured.