Victims Identified
Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children—ages 4, 8, and 10—were among the victims of the crash, while they were celebrating the wife’s 40th birthday, just a day before the 8-year-old’s birthday, according to NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not been publicly released, also perished.
Tragic Incident Over the Hudson
The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, crashed into the Hudson River between Lower Manhattan and Hoboken, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon—just over 15 minutes after taking off from the Wall Street Heliport.
“We are devastated,” a company representative told ABC News. “My staff hasn’t stopped crying.”
Crash Details and Investigation
The aircraft, on its sixth flight of the day, was found upside-down in the 50-degree water near the New Jersey side of the river. Video footage captured the helicopter plunging into the water without a tail rotor or main rotor blade.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that four victims died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Jersey City Medical Center staff worked tirelessly to save the injured, according to Mayor Steven Fulop.
Witnesses Describe the Horror
Dani Horbiak, who saw the crash from her apartment, described hearing loud noises “like gunshots in the sky” before watching the helicopter fall. Another witness likened the sound to a “sonic boom,” adding that the helicopter split in two mid-air.
Calls for Safety Reforms
Mayor Fulop emphasized concerns about air traffic safety over the Hudson, hoping the tragedy sparks stricter regulations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy,” while former President Donald Trump described the crash footage as “horrendous.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
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