News: All passengers from U.S. Air flight downed in the Hudson River believed to be alive, safe

In a stroke of mid-afternoon surreality, a commercial flight bound for North Carolina from NYC's Laguardia Airport made a forced landing in the Hudson River (not far from our offices) after experiencing what early reports are saying was a bird-related incident or "bird strike" less than three minutes into the flight.

Early reports are suggesting that all passengers and crew (150+) are believed to have gotten off the plane safely. And until we have confirmation from authorities, we will refrain from making the obvious Airport 77 (t/y, snicks), The Birds, etc. references.

We of course hope that all the passengers and crew are safe, and I'll be damned if the minutes after hearing that there was a plane in the river weren't the scariest I (and a lot of New Yorkers) have had in a number of years. Our thoughts are with those involved and their loved ones.