HOBOKEN, NJ – A sightseeing helicopter carrying a Spanish family and their pilot crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, claiming the lives of all six individuals aboard. Among the deceased were Agustín Escobar, a Siemens executive, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11, who were visiting New York City. The pilot’s identity has yet to be released.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. near Pier A Park in Hoboken, New Jersey. Witnesses reported seeing the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Charter, descend rapidly and upside down, with debris falling mid-air.
The helicopter, built in 2004 and possessing an airworthiness certificate valid until 2029, had departed Manhattan at 2:59 p.m. It flew north along the Hudson River before turning south near the George Washington Bridge, where it reportedly lost control.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, rescuing six individuals from the water. However, four were pronounced dead at the scene, and two children later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine the helicopter’s maintenance records and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directives, particularly concerning rotor components. Weather conditions at the time of the crash included cloudy skies, winds reaching 25 mph, and good visibility.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, extending his deepest condolences to the victims’ families. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as “an unimaginable tragedy,” expressing his sorrow.
Siemens, in a statement, praised Agustín Escobar’s significant contributions to mobility and transport innovation, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the company. The investigation by the NTSB is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
