Who Were the Victims in Hudson River Helicopter Crash? Spanish Siemens CEO

Video shows the moment a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River:

The crash occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft, close to River Drive South and the Newport waterfront, near the well-known “Water’s Soul” sculpture.

Update: Six Dead in Hudson River Helicopter Crash, Including Siemens Spain President and His Family

A sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City at approximately 3:17 p.m. on Thursday, killing all six people on board. Among the victims was Agustín Escobar, the President of Siemens Spain, along with his wife, Merce Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11, according to ABC News. The family, originally from Barcelona, was visiting New York as tourists. The 36-year-old pilot, employed by a local aerial tour operator, also died in the crash. All victims were pronounced dead at the scene following a rapid response from New York and New Jersey emergency teams.

Local News Helicopter crash in Hudson River kills all 6 aboard

Who Were the Victims in the Hudson River Helicopter Crash?

Authorities have confirmed that five of the victims were members of the same family from Barcelona, Spain. The group was on a sightseeing tour of New York City when the accident happened.

The victims included:

• A 42-year-old father and 39-year-old mother, whose names have not yet been publicly released pending full notification of next of kin.

• Their three children, aged 14, 11, and 9.

• The sixth fatality was the pilot, a 34-year-old New Jersey resident employed by New York Helicopter Tours.

Following the tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, the Spanish Consulate in New York City is actively collaborating with local authorities to confirm the identities of the victims and provide assistance to their families. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the incident and is coordinating efforts to support the affected individuals.

What Caused the Helicopter Crash?

The helicopter involved was a Bell 206 model, operated by New York Helicopter Tours. It departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport around 2:59 p.m. and was scheduled to complete a 20-minute aerial tour of the city.

Just under 20 minutes into the flight, eyewitnesses reported a loud mechanical noise followed by the apparent detachment of rotor blades. Video captured by a nearby pedestrian shows the helicopter spinning before crashing upside-down into the Hudson River.

The helicopter was seen split apart into several pieces before landing in the Hudson River

Initial investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are focusing on mechanical failure as a likely cause. However, investigators are not ruling out pilot error or weather-related factors, though the weather was reportedly clear at the time.

The helicopter sank shortly after impact. Divers from NYPD and Jersey City emergency services recovered all six bodies within hours.

Operator Under Scrutiny

New York Helicopter Tours, the operator of the ill-fated flight, has temporarily suspended all sightseeing operations. The company issued a brief statement expressing condolences:

“We are heartbroken over this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims' families. We are cooperating fully with investigators.”

Records show the helicopter had passed its most recent maintenance inspection in February 2025.

Response from Officials

New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded to the incident in a press briefing Thursday evening:

“This is an unimaginable loss. A family here to enjoy our city has had their lives cut short. We owe it to them to find answers and ensure this never happens again.”

Transportation officials have raised concerns in recent years about the frequency and safety of tour helicopters operating over Manhattan and the Hudson River corridor, one of the busiest aerial routes in the United States.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The crash has reignited debate about the regulation of non-essential helicopter tours in densely populated areas. Advocates are calling for stricter oversight, including mandatory real-time mechanical diagnostics, improved emergency flotation devices, and more stringent flight safety protocols.

Meanwhile, the area surrounding the crash, typically bustling with tourists and waterfront pedestrians, remains partially cordoned off for investigation and cleanup.

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