Hudson River helicopter crash
Hudson River helicopter crash
A devastating aviation tragedy unfolded Thursday afternoon when a helicopter plunged into the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey, killing Siemens executive Agustín Escobar, his wife, and their three young children. The pilot, who has not been identified, also died. The Siemens executive and family killed in the Hudson River helicopter crash have drawn national attention and renewed concerns over helicopter safety in major U.S. cities.
Siemens Executive and Family Among Victims of Hudson River helicopter crash
Siemens confirmed in a statement that Agustín Escobar, a prominent executive with the company, perished in the crash alongside his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their children, ages 4, 5, and 11. Based in Barcelona, the family was visiting the United States when the incident occurred. They were aboard a Bell 206 helicopter that went down shortly after 3 p.m. local time.
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and his family in this unimaginable tragedy,” Siemens said in a written statement. “Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved them.”
Investigation Underway After Helicopter Submerges in Hudson River
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the helicopter became submerged by 4:30 p.m. ET. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation alongside the FAA to determine what caused the crash. Emergency teams from the New York City Fire Department were dispatched immediately, with marine units supporting rescue efforts, particularly near the New Jersey shoreline.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed during a press briefing that the bodies of all six individuals had been recovered from the river.
Trump, Officials React to Fatal Hudson River Helicopter Crash
Former President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy on his Truth Social account, describing the incident as “horrendous” and offering prayers for the victims’ families.
“Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage is devastating,” Trump posted.
“Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and his team are investigating. More details to follow.”
The European Union and various international leaders also expressed condolences, as the tragedy involved foreign nationals visiting the U.S.
Helicopter Safety Under Renewed Scrutiny
The Siemens executive and family killed in the Hudson River helicopter crash marks yet another air accident in what experts say has been a tense year for aviation safety. Although helicopter flights are statistically safe, many fatal incidents have drawn concern from regulators and the public alike.
Earlier this year, a deadly mid-air collision prompted the FAA to halt non-essential helicopter operations near Washington, D.C., permanently. According to an analysis by the Associated Press, at least 32 people died in helicopter-related accidents in New York City between 1977 and 2019. In one particularly tragic case from 2018, five tourists drowned after their charter helicopter crashed in the East River. The pilot survived that crash as well.
SOURCE: New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
