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Fatal Tour Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Claims Six Lives
A tour helicopter tragically crashed into New York City’s Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. The pilot reportedly issued a warning about low fuel just moments before the devastating incident.
Details of the Incident
The unfortunate event occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, near the New Jersey shoreline of the Hudson River, just off Lower Manhattan. Emergency services received calls at around 3:17 p.m., a mere 17 minutes after the helicopter departed from downtown Manhattan.
Victims Include Spanish Business Executive and Family
Among the deceased were Agustín Escobar, the president of Siemens Spain, his wife, and their three children, according to reports from the New York Times. The pilot’s identity has not yet been officially confirmed.
Pilot’s Distress Call and Operator’s Account
Michael Roth, owner of New York Helicopter, the company operating the tour, stated that the pilot radioed in regarding fuel concerns shortly after takeoff. “He called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel,” Roth explained to The Telegraph, “and it should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn’t arrive.”
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Roth recounted receiving numerous messages before another pilot from his company flew over the Hudson and discovered the overturned helicopter. “We’re all devastated. Every employee in our company is devastated. My wife has not stopped crying,” Roth expressed.
Eyewitness Reports and Crash Description
Witnesses described seeing the aircraft “split in half” before plummeting into the river near Pier 40. One witness likened the sound of the crash to a “sonic boom.” Other accounts mentioned the helicopter flying “erratically” and parts detaching from the aircraft prior to the crash.
Recovery and Investigation Efforts
Rescue operations concluded by 5:15 p.m., transitioning to the recovery phase for the aircraft wreckage, as reported by Fox 5. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to a hospital where they later died from their injuries.
The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their families. The Spanish Consulate in New York City is collaborating with authorities. The Jersey City Police Department is initially leading the investigation, awaiting the arrival of officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Weather Conditions at the Time of Crash
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as cloudy with winds between 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph, according to CNN. Visibility was approximately 10 miles, but cloud cover was present, associated with a system bringing light rain to the area. The water temperature was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Past Helicopter Accidents in New York City
New York City’s airspace frequently accommodates both airplanes and helicopters for private, commercial, and tourist flights. Manhattan is equipped with multiple helipads serving various users, including business executives for transit within the metropolitan region.
Tragically, at least 32 fatalities have occurred in helicopter crashes within New York City since 1977. A recent incident in 2018 involved a helicopter crash in the East River, resulting in five passenger deaths. The NTSB determined that the 2018 crash was caused when the tail of the helicopter snagged on a fuel shutoff lever, leading to the fatal event where all passengers drowned.