Plane crashes into New York river

A rescue operation was under way after a plane crashed into the Hudson River in New York.

The Federal Aviation Administration said US Airways Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia Airport before crashing into the water off Manhattan. It is not clear if anyone was injured in the incident.

Passengers could be seen standing on both wings of the plane, which was upright in the river.

Fox News correspondent Rick Leventhal told Sky News that the plane, which is believed to have been heading for North Carolina, would have flown over the city after taking off.

He said: "When you take off from LaGuardia you fly over the city. It is one of the most beautiful views of New York."

It has been suggested that the plane came down after flying into a flock of birds.

FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said: "The flight took off at 3.26 eastern time. We believe it was airborne for three minutes after take-off when it crashed into the Hudson River. The reports of bird strikes come from eyewitnesses on the ground."

The FAA said 148 passengers and five crew members were on board the aircraft.

One rescued passenger told CNN: "I'm pretty sure everybody got off. Thank God everyone is pretty much OK."

Survivors praised the pilot, saying the plane stayed intact despite the emergency landing. They also said rescuers were very quick to reach passengers.