On April 10, 2025, a tragic helicopter crash occurred in the Hudson River, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. Here are the key details surrounding the incident:
Incident Overview
- Time and Location: The crash happened at approximately 3:17 p.m. near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft in Jersey City, New Jersey, close to River Drive South and Newport Parkway [1].
- Victims: The victims included a family of five from Spain—Agustín Escobar, a Siemens executive, his wife, and their three children aged 4, 5, and 11—along with the pilot [2][3].
Flight Details
- Helicopter Model: The aircraft involved was a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, which had taken off from the Wall Street Heliport in Lower Manhattan just before the crash [2][3].
- Flight Path: The helicopter flew over Governor’s Island and near the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River. It turned around near the George Washington Bridge and was returning south when it lost control and crashed into the river [1][2].
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported seeing parts of the helicopter falling off before it plunged into the water, indicating a catastrophic failure. Some described hearing loud noises similar to gunshots as the helicopter descended [3]. The helicopter reportedly hit the water inverted, with debris scattered around the crash site [2].
Emergency Response
- Rescue Efforts: First responders, including NYPD and FDNY units, arrived quickly at the scene. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to local hospitals, where they later succumbed to their injuries [1][2].
- Investigation: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. Initial reports suggest that the helicopter may have experienced a mechanical failure, as it was found without its main rotor and tail rotor [3].
Reactions
- Public Response: New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences to the families affected, and President Donald Trump also shared his sympathies on social media [1][2]. Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, called the incident “an unimaginable tragedy” [3].
This incident has raised concerns about helicopter safety in the area, especially given the popularity of sightseeing flights over the Hudson River.
Learn more:
- Helicopter crash in Hudson River kills all 6 aboard – CBS New York
- Hudson River helicopter crash: Siemens executive Agustín Escobar and family among dead | CNN
- Tourist helicopter crashes in Hudson River in New York City, all 6 on board killed – ABC News