A devastating helicopter crash in New York City claimed the lives of six people, including a Spanish family of five and their pilot, after the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon.
The tourist helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, went down near Lower Manhattan at approximately 3:17 p.m., just minutes after departing from the Wall Street Heliport.
According to officials, the helicopter reached the George Washington Bridge before abruptly turning south and crashing into the river near River Drive in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Among the victims were Agustin Escobar, an executive at the European automation company Siemens; his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal; and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family, originally from Barcelona, Spain, was visiting the U.S. on vacation. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not been released, also perished in the crash.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams offered condolences during a press briefing, saying, "Our hearts go out to the family and those on board."
Footage from the incident revealed that the helicopter was missing key components, including a tail rotor and a main rotor blade, as it fell inverted into the water. Officials have yet to confirm whether these parts detached mid-flight or before takeoff.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop praised emergency responders and staff at the Jersey City Medical Center, where the victims were rushed after the crash, stating they "tried as hard as they could."
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
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