What started as a scenic helicopter ride over New York City turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for a family visiting from Spain. On Thursday afternoon, a tourist helicopter carrying six people — including three young children — crashed into the Hudson River near Lower Manhattan, killing everyone on board.
The helicopter had taken off from the Wall Street Heliport just after 3 p.m. and was heading north, even reaching the George Washington Bridge. But shortly after, something went terribly wrong. Around 3:17 p.m., the chopper spiraled out of control and plunged into the icy waters off the coast of Hoboken, New Jersey, landing upside down.
Among the victims were Agustin Escobar, a top executive with Siemens, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their children, ages 4, 5, and 11. The pilot, a 36-year-old, also lost his life in the crash. The entire family had traveled from Barcelona to enjoy a vacation in the U.S. — a dream that ended in an unimaginable loss.
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Witnesses who were nearby described the terrifying moment. Some said they heard loud bangs and watched as pieces of the helicopter broke off mid-air. One person compared the sound to a sonic boom. Others watched in horror as the helicopter hit the water at a sharp angle, causing a huge splash.
Video of the crash revealed the aircraft had lost its main rotor blade and tail rotor before impact, which could help explain what went wrong. The Bell 206 helicopter had already made five flights earlier that day.
First responders rushed to the scene, pulling the overturned helicopter from the cold, 50-degree water. Despite the efforts of emergency teams at Jersey City Medical Center, there were no survivors.
Leaders from both sides of the Atlantic shared their condolences. New York Mayor Eric Adams said his heart goes out to the victims’ loved ones, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the news “devastating,” especially since three of the victims were children. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also reacted, calling the crash “terrible” and the footage “horrendous.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the crash, while the Jersey City Police Department is leading the case since the helicopter went down on their side of the river. Jersey City’s Mayor Steven Fulop said the crash highlights growing concerns over air traffic in the area and hopes it will spark much-needed safety discussions.
What was meant to be a breathtaking tour turned into a painful reminder of how fragile life can be — and how quickly joy can turn into tragedy.
