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Spanish Family Perishes in Hudson River Helicopter Crash
A Spanish family of five, including three children, has been identified as the victims of a tour helicopter crash in New York City’s Hudson River. The tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, involved a sightseeing helicopter that plummeted into the river near Lower Manhattan.
Victims Identified as Siemens Spain Executive and Family
The deceased have been confirmed as Agustín Escobar, president of Siemens Spain, the Spanish arm of the global technology corporation, his wife, and their three children. Law enforcement sources verified to news outlets that the executive and his family were aboard the ill-fated helicopter tour. Heartbreaking images have emerged showing the family on the helipad and inside the aircraft shortly before the devastating crash.
Details of Agustín Escobar’s Career
Escobar assumed the role of CEO of Siemens in Spain in 2022, following his tenure as CEO of Siemens Mobility Spain. His extensive career in Spain also includes various positions within the energy sector between 1998 and 2010. Further demonstrating his professional engagements, Escobar served as vice president of the German Chamber of Commerce for Spain.
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Crash Details and Timeline
The fatal helicopter crash happened at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, in the Hudson River near the New Jersey shoreline, just off the southern tip of Manhattan. Authorities stated that the victims included a Spanish business executive, an adult relative, three minors, and the pilot of the aircraft.
Eyewitness accounts describe the helicopter appearing to “split in half” before descending into the water close to Pier 40. One witness recounted hearing a “sonic boom” sound emanating from the distressed aircraft.
Aircraft and Flight Path Information
The tour helicopter was operated by New York Helicopter, a local sightseeing company. Flight data indicates the aircraft was likely a Bell 206L-4, identified as N216MH. The helicopter’s flight lasted around 16 minutes prior to the crash. It departed from the Wall Street Heliport and circled near the Statue of Liberty before proceeding up the Hudson River towards the George Washington Bridge, reaching an altitude of approximately 1000 feet.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Video footage captured the helicopter sinking into the river as emergency services rushed to the scene. Rescue operations concluded around 5:15 p.m., with officials shifting focus to recovering wreckage from the aircraft, according to reports.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that four individuals were pronounced dead at the crash site. Two others were transported to a local hospital but later died from their injuries. The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Spanish Consulate in New York City is coordinating with authorities.
Weather Conditions at Time of Crash
Weather conditions at the time of incident were reported as cloudy with winds between 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph, according to meteorological reports. Visibility was approximately 10 miles, considered good, but cloud cover was present due to a weather system moving into the region, bringing light rain to the area. The water temperature was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Witness Accounts of the Incident
Additional footage depicts the helicopter flying “erratically” moments before it plunged into the river. Clips also show debris detaching from the aircraft mid-flight.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard. All six have been removed from the water, and sadly all six victims have been pronounced deceased.”
Anna, a local resident walking along the West Side Highway, witnessed the emergency response. “I saw the helicopter submerged in the water and then there was a lot of commotion,” she recounted.
Another witness described the sound preceding the crash: “One of my children said, ‘what’s that sound?’ I told him I didn’t know. My other child said, ‘Do you think it was an earthquake?’ I said, ‘no we would feel it.’ My other child asked, ‘Do you think a building pancaked?'”
An eyewitness who spoke with ABC News described the crash noise as “like a sonic boom” and saw the helicopter “splitting in two” as it plummeted. “It was going so fast and it just went straight into the water… I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” he added.
Another individual reported, “I heard a loud snap … I looked over … and I could see a helicopter falling on its side and splash into the water. I didn’t see anyone come out.”
Investigation Leadership and Air Traffic in Area
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop indicated that the Jersey City Police Department is initially leading the investigation, pending the arrival of officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The airspace over Manhattan is frequently used by both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for private, commercial, and tourist flights.
Manhattan’s numerous helipads are utilized for transportation across the metropolitan area, including by business professionals.
History of Helicopter Crashes in New York City
Tragically, at least 32 fatalities have occurred in helicopter crashes within New York City since 1977.
The most recent prior fatal incident was in 2018 when a helicopter crashed into the East River, resulting in the deaths of five passengers. The NTSB report cited the 2018 East River crash was caused by the tail of the aircraft catching on the fuel shutoff lever on March 11, 2018. All passengers in that incident drowned. The victims were identified as Daniel Thompson, 34, Tristian Hill, 29, Trevor Cadigan, 26, Brian McDaniel, 26, and Carla Vallejos-Blanco, 29.