JERSEY CITY, New Jersey — Six people, including three children, died Thursday afternoon when a helicopter plunged into the Hudson River near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft. The crash happened around 3:17 p.m. shortly after the helicopter took off from Lower Manhattan, carrying a family of tourists from Spain.
The victims were identified as Augustin Escobar, a Siemens executive from Barcelona, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11, along with the 36-year-old pilot. Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board.” The helicopter was identified as a Bell 206, operated by New York Helicopters.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, emergency responders, including NYPD aviation, harbor, and FDNY scuba teams, rushed to the scene within minutes. “NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, while FDNY divers recovered two more,” she said. Four victims were pronounced dead on the scene, and two others were taken to hospitals but did not survive.
Witnesses described a horrific scene as the helicopter disintegrated mid-air. “I heard loud noises that sounded like gunshots and then saw parts fall off the helicopter before it plunged into the water,” said witness Dani Horbiak.
“It was honestly like nothing I had ever seen, and then the ocean just swallowed it whole,” said another onlooker, Eric Campoverde. The skies were overcast, and winds gusted up to 21 mph at the time of the crash.
Authorities confirmed the helicopter had recently traveled above Governor’s Island and near the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River. It lost contact at 3:25 p.m. after reversing direction.
Video footage showed parts of the helicopter breaking apart as it headed for the water. “I saw the main rotor and tail rotor breaking off. The helicopter hit the water inverted,” reported CBS News’ Dan Rice.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the crash. A Coast Guard safety zone has been established on the river, halting vessel traffic a mile north and south of the crash site.
In the wake of this tragic event, the Spanish Consulate in New York is coordinating with local authorities to confirm identities and assist the victims’ families. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has expressed concerns regarding air traffic safety, hoping this incident prompts greater scrutiny of the tours operating in the area.
Flight path data shows that the helicopter had been flying regularly in the vicinity, completing multiple flights a day. “We are cooperating with all agencies involved and deeply saddened by this tragedy,” said a spokesperson for Skyports, the firm managing the heliport.
The crash marks yet another tragic aviation incident in New York City, where over 30 fatalities tied to helicopter accidents have occurred since 1977. Fulop noted, “Hopefully, this brings attention to real safety concerns beyond just noise disturbances.” As investigations continue, the investigation teams are focusing on mechanical failures that could have led to the deadly crash.
