A horrific helicopter crash occurred over the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the loss of six lives, including three children. The sightseeing helicopter was carrying a family, including a Spanish executive from Siemens, when it tragically broke apart midair before plummeting into the water.
The victims include Agustín Escobar, the global chief executive of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, along with his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children. According to a statement from Siemens, the couple was in the United States for a business trip, coinciding with Montal's 40th birthday celebration. The family had flown over to extend their time together during this occasion.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones,” Siemens expressed in an official statement. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop confirmed that arrangements are being made for a relative of the victims to arrive and work with local officials to expedite the family’s return to Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez referred to the crash as “an unimaginable tragedy,” sharing his condolences on social media. Members of New York’s congressional delegation, including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Representative Dan Goldman, have also expressed their sympathies for the victims' families during this devastating time.
The identity of the sixth person aboard, the helicopter's pilot, has not yet been disclosed. Investigations into the crash are being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local authorities. The NTSB has activated a “go team” of investigators to thoroughly examine the incident.
Eyewitness videos captured the alarming moment when the helicopter, identified as a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV operated by New York Helicopters, lost control shortly after taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at approximately 2:59 p.m. The helicopter had reached the George Washington Bridge by 3:08 p.m. before it began its return towards New Jersey, where it ultimately crashed near Hoboken, just feet from Pier A Park.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy noted on social media that the helicopter was operating in a “Special Flight Rules Area,” indicating that no air traffic control services were available at that time. Eyewitness accounts described the helicopter flipping upside down and crashing into the Hudson River with a loud thud, with first responders arriving promptly to assist.
This tragic incident marks the deadliest helicopter crash in New York City since 2018. In that year, a charter helicopter crashed into the East River, resulting in the deaths of all five passengers onboard. The rapid succession of helicopter accidents raises concerns about the safety of tourist helicopter flights in densely populated urban areas.
As of now, at least 38 people have lost their lives in helicopter accidents within New York City since 1977. Mayor Fulop noted the increasing urgency to reevaluate the operation of tourist helicopters in the area, stating, “These tourist helicopters should not be allowed, and hopefully, this terrible tragedy brings some change so that it will never happen again to any other family.”
The investigation into this tragic crash is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
