Story highlights Teens fell through ice in Central Park

They were taking selfies on the ice

(CNN) Tourist Lourdes Cuevas and her family were taking in the beauty of one of New York City's iconic spots when they spotted some teens balancing on an icy pond.

The kids were "playing" and "sliding" on the patch of ice in Central Park when they "decided to take a selfie," she said. Cuevas and her family decided to do the same.

The moment right before 7 kids fell thru the ice in Central Park and had to be rescued. #selfie #badidea #fdny #abc7ny @abc7ny A post shared by Sandra Bookman (@sandrabookman7) on Feb 21, 2017 at 10:44am PST

Suddenly the ice cracked and the teens plunged into the frigid water -- a terrifying incident Cuevas captured on video.

"My daughter and husband ... ran for ladders and started pulling people out," she said.

Police say seven teens were trying to take pictures when the ice gave way Monday evening.

People extend a ladder to help teens out of ice water in Central Park.