A tragic helicopter accident in the Hudson River occurred on Thursday, April 10th, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Among the victims was a family of five from Spain and their pilot. The disaster happened when the sightseeing helicopter broke apart while flying, descending into the river at the New York-New Jersey border. The deceased were Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged 11, 5, and 4. The pilot, who was 36 years old, also perished.
New York Helicopters operated the helicopter which departed from the Wall Street Heliport at around 3 p. m. The trip, aimed at showcasing the views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, lasted just a bit over 15 minutes before the aircraft fell into the water. Witnesses heard loud sounds before observing parts of the helicopter, such as the main rotor and tail, come apart during the flight. One observer described the scene, saying the helicopter seemed to “fall apart,” as the main rotor turned wildly before the crash.
The family had just come to New York City to celebrate one of their children’s birthday, and they were seen smiling in photos taken before they boarded the helicopter. Footage of the accident showed the aircraft flipping into the river and landing on its back. First responders arrived promptly, and at the site, four individuals were declared dead, with two others being confirmed deceased at a hospital nearby.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the helicopter was a Bell 206, a model frequently utilized for sightseeing experiences. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Michael Roth, the owner of New York Helicopters, shared his sorrow regarding the incident. In a statement, Roth mentioned, “As a father and grandfather, to have children involved, I feel devastated. After watching a video of the helicopter’s fall, it’s clear the main rotor blades were missing. ”
This accident has attracted worldwide attention, with messages of sympathy coming in from Spanish officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who referred to the event as “devastating. ” The tragedy has renewed discussions surrounding helicopter safety in New York City, where there have been numerous notable crashes in recent years.
