A devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River has claimed the lives of six individuals, including a Spanish family of five and the pilot. The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 PM near Lower Manhattan, leaving the community in mourning.
The victims have been identified as Agustín Escobar, a prominent executive at Siemens Spain, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The family was visiting New York from Barcelona and had embarked on a sightseeing tour operated by New York Helicopters. Tragically, the flight lasted less than 18 minutes before the aircraft broke apart midair and plunged into the river.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter "falling apart" in midair, with parts of the aircraft tumbling into the water. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, all six individuals were pronounced deceased. The pilot's identity remains undisclosed.
Preliminary investigations suggest a catastrophic mechanical failure may have caused the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a thorough inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard. This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our city and the families involved."