Tech executive and family tragically killed in New York helicopter crash

Friday 11 April 2025 - 07:32

By: Zahouani Ilham

Tech executive and family tragically killed in New York helicopter crash

A tragic helicopter crash in New York City has claimed the lives of a family of five Spanish tourists, including three children. Among the victims were Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive, and Merce Camprubi Montal, who is believed to be his wife. The crash occurred around 3:17 p.m. on Thursday when the helicopter plunged into the Hudson River. The pilot was also killed in the crash.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that all victims were recovered from the helicopter, which had flipped upside down in the water. Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were rushed to local hospitals but sadly did not survive their injuries.

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopters, was on a sightseeing flight over Manhattan when the main rotor blade detached, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control before crashing into the water. Witnesses described seeing the helicopter spinning rapidly before it hit the river with significant force.

Lesly Camacho, a Hoboken restaurant worker, witnessed the crash and described seeing smoke and the helicopter spinning uncontrollably before it crashed. Another witness reported seeing the chopper's rotor blade detach mid-air. Social media videos showed parts of the Bell 206 helicopter falling through the sky and landing in the water.

New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the deaths, revealing that the victims were believed to be Spanish tourists. The helicopter had taken off from a downtown heliport around 3:00 p.m. The crash occurred near Pier 40 and the Holland Tunnel, which connects lower Manhattan to Jersey City.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the crash. This incident occurred less than three months after another fatal aviation accident in Washington, D.C., where 67 people lost their lives in a collision between an army helicopter and a commercial jet.