On April 10, 2025, a tragic incident took place when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people aboard.
The crash occurred near Pier 40, at West Houston Street in New York City. Among the victims were a family of five from Spain and the pilot.
Details of the Crash
The helicopter was a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV. It had taken off around 3:00 p.m. for a sightseeing tour.
The aircraft was carrying a family of five, including Agustin Escobar, a Siemens Mobility executive, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children aged 4, 5, and 11. The pilot was also killed in the crash.
The helicopter was reported to have been in flight for about 16 minutes when it broke apart midair.
Witnesses saw the helicopter spiraling downward before plunging into the river. Onlookers described hearing a loud noise, followed by the tragic crash.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several people who were near the scene reported seeing the helicopter fall apart. One witness heard a loud noise and noticed that the helicopter’s rotor blades detached before it crashed into the water.
A disturbing video captured the moment the helicopter plummeted into the river.
Rescue teams responded quickly, recovering the victims from the water.
Four people were declared dead at the scene, while two others were rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, both of them later passed away due to their injuries.
Helicopter Tour Company’s Reaction
The helicopter belonged to a New York-based tour company. Michael Roth, the CEO of New York Helicopter Tours, expressed his shock and sorrow over the crash.
Roth mentioned that the pilot had contacted the base to request refueling shortly before the crash occurred. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Roth suggested that a mechanical failure or a bird strike could have been factors.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking into the incident, and investigators are working to determine what led to the tragic event.
Calls for Safety Improvements
The crash has sparked renewed debate over the safety of tourist helicopter flights in New York City. Many have called for stronger regulations on sightseeing flights.
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal has urged for a ban on these tours, pointing out the danger posed by flying over crowded areas.
Hoylman-Sigal and other lawmakers argue that helicopters should not be allowed to fly over busy parts of the city, given the risks to passengers and the public. The crash has renewed calls for safer, stricter controls for tourist flights in urban areas.
Community Impact and Remembering the Victims
The crash has left a deep impact on both the local community and those close to the victims. The family was in New York to celebrate the birthday of one of their children.
Colleagues of Agustin Escobar, the family’s father, have expressed their grief. They remembered him as a hardworking executive and a loving father.
The tragedy has also raised awareness of the risks associated with helicopter tourism. Many hope that this incident will prompt change to prevent future accidents and improve safety measures for those flying in tourist helicopters.