- A Siemens executive from Spain and his family were on a helicopter that plunged into New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday, killing everyone on board. The 36-year-old pilot has not been identified.
- The Bell 206 helicopter lost control 15 minutes after taking off from a downtown heliport.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash.
Full Story
Six people died when a passenger helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday afternoon, April 10. The crash killed a Siemens executive from Spain, his wife, their children and the pilot.
Who was on the helicopter?
Law enforcement sources told ABC News that Agustin Escobar, head of Siemens’ division in Spain and Southwest Europe, died in the crash. The tech executive’s wife and their children, aged 4, 5 and 11 years old, were all identified as victims in the crash. A 36-year-old pilot also died; his identity has not yet been released.
The New York Times reports that Escobar and his family were sightseeing in New York City when the helicopter crashed.
What are the details of the crash?
According to officials, a Bell 206 helicopter with the tour company New York Helicopters took off from the downtown heliport just before 3 p.m. EDT. About 15 minutes later, the helicopter lost control and crashed into the Hudson River near the New Jersey coastline. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise just before the crash.
Divers with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Fire Department (FDNY) arrived on the scene within minutes. The Coast Guard and New Jersey authorities also coordinated the recovery efforts.
NYPD divers pulled four bodies from the water, and FDNY found the other two. Officials confirmed they were a family visiting from Spain, and none survived.
“Again, we are praying for the families and our gratitude to the rescuers and their courage that was displayed and their dedication,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at the news conference.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leading the probe.
