A devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday claimed the lives of all six people on board, including three children and a prominent executive from Siemens. The crash occurred just after 3:00 p.m. near Lower Manhattan in New York City (NYC).
What We Know So Far
The New York Helicopters chopper departed from the Wall Street Heliport and crashed just over 15 minutes into its flight, going down near Hoboken, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from New York.
Onboard were:
- Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive
- His wife Merce Camprubi Montal
- Their children, aged 4, 5, and 11
- The 36-year-old pilot
The family was visiting from Barcelona, Spain, according to Spanish officials.
Crash Details and Eyewitness Accounts
The helicopter was a Bell 206, operating its sixth flight of the day. Witnesses reported hearing explosive sounds before seeing parts of the helicopter fall from the sky.
“It sounded like a sonic boom,” said one witness. “The rotor flew off. It split in two.”
Another eyewitness told ABC News,
“I saw the helicopter drop at a 45-degree angle. The splash was huge. Very scary.”
Rescue teams found the chopper upside down in the 50-degree water.
Official Responses and Investigation
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating.
- The Jersey City Police Department is leading the probe, as the crash occurred on the New Jersey side.
- Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop stated emergency teams “tried as hard as they could.”
- NYC Mayor Eric Adams said, “Our hearts go out to the family and those on board.”
President Donald Trump reacted to the incident on his social media platform, calling it “terrible” and describing the video as “horrendous.”
Concerns about air traffic safety over the Hudson have resurfaced, with Jersey City officials hoping this tragedy prompts federal action.
Source: Abc News
