Key Points:
- Fatal crash: A Bell 206 helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan on Thursday afternoon, killing all six aboard, including three children.
- Victims: The deceased included the pilot and a Spanish family visiting New York.
- Eyewitness accounts: Witnesses reported the helicopter breaking apart mid-air before crashing upside down into the water.
- Emergency response: Rescue teams mobilized swiftly, but all victims succumbed to their injuries.
New York: A sightseeing helicopter tragically crashed into New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, killing all six people aboard. The victims included a Spanish family of five two adults and three children and the pilot. The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time near Pier 40, close to Lower Manhattan and Jersey City, sparking a massive emergency response from both sides of the river.
Mayor Eric Adams described the crash as “heartbreaking and tragic,” confirming that all six victims were pronounced dead after being pulled from the water. Two individuals initially taken to hospitals later succumbed to their injuries.
Timeline of Events
- Takeoff and Flight Path: The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by Meridian Helicopters, departed from Lower Manhattan at 2:59 p.m. It flew over Governor’s Island and the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River along Manhattan’s West Side. After reaching the George Washington Bridge, it turned south along the New Jersey coastline before losing control near Jersey City.
- Crash Details: Eyewitnesses reported seeing black smoke and debris as the helicopter broke apart mid-air. The rotor blade detached while spinning uncontrollably, causing the craft to slam into the river upside down.
- Emergency Response: The New York City Fire Department received a distress call at 3:17 p.m., prompting swift action from rescue teams. Despite their efforts, all six passengers were declared deceased.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of the crash. Bruce Wall recounted seeing the helicopter “falling apart” in mid-air, with its tail and propeller detaching before it hit the water. Lesly Camacho, who was near Hoboken at the time, said she saw smoke billowing out as the helicopter spun uncontrollably before slamming into the river.
Peter Park, a resident of Jersey City, heard a loud bang and saw rotor blades plummeting dangerously close to shore. He immediately alerted authorities by calling 911.
Victims Identified
Among those killed was Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain, along with his wife and three children. The names of the victims have not yet been officially released[8]. Mayor Adams extended condolences to their families during a press briefing.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest mechanical failure may have played a role, with witnesses indicating parts of the helicopter detached mid-flight[6][10]. Weather conditions at the time included gusty winds and cloudy skies but visibility remained adequate.
Traffic Disruptions and Community Impact
The crash caused significant disruptions in Lower Manhattan and Jersey City. Emergency vehicles flooded streets around West Side Highway and Spring Street, leading to traffic jams in surrounding areas.
