Tragic Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Kills Six, Including Siemens Executive and Family

Heartbreaking Incident Over New York’s Iconic Skyline

A sightseeing helicopter tour ended in tragedy Thursday afternoon as a Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, claiming the lives of all six people onboard.

The Victims: A Family’s Joyful Vacation Turns Fatal

Among the deceased were Agustín Escobar, 49, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal (also of Siemens Energy), and their three children aged 4, 5, and 11, all visiting from Barcelona, Spain. The 36-year-old pilot, whose identity has not been released, also perished.

Crash Details: Sudden Mid-Air Disintegration

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Charter, departed the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. on a routine sightseeing flight. Around 3:17 p.m., just 18 minutes into the journey, the aircraft reportedly disintegrated mid-air — with rotor blades detaching — and crashed upside-down into the Hudson River, near Pier A Park, Hoboken.

Eyewitnesses described a loud “sonic boom” and debris falling from the sky. One witness stated, “It went down at a 45-degree angle. It was terrifying.”

Rescue Efforts and Recovery

Emergency services from NYPD, FDNY, and New Jersey agencies arrived swiftly. Divers recovered all six victims. Four were declared dead on-site; two children were taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where they later died. Recovery efforts continued into the next day to retrieve wreckage and investigate the cause.

Company Background & Past Incidents

New York Helicopter Charter has faced previous safety concerns, including:

• A 2013 emergency landing in the Hudson River due to power loss.
• A 2015 malfunction shortly after takeoff in New Jersey.

Investigation Underway

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause. Preliminary theories point to mechanical failure, based on visual reports of rotor detachment. The helicopter’s maintenance records are under review.

Reactions from Leaders

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it “an unimaginable tragedy.”

NYC Mayor Eric Adams said, “Our hearts go out to this family who came to see our city’s beauty and met with such a terrible fate.”

Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Charter, expressed deep sorrow but declined to comment on maintenance due to the ongoing probe.

Conclusion: A Painful Reminder of Aviation Risks

As the investigation unfolds, this tragedy casts a shadow over New York’s popular aerial tour industry. A family’s dream vacation has ended in unspeakable loss, felt not only in New York but across the globe.