Helicopter breaks into two, crashes & plunges into Hudson river, New York America killing six
Six people died when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon.
The incident happened at around 3:17 p.m. near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft in Jersey City, not far from River Drive South and Newport Parkway, near the Water’s Soul sculpture.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said three adults and three children were killed, including a family of five from Spain and the pilot. Their bodies have been recovered, he said.
“Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board and all six who were on board of the helicopter,” Adams said.
Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife and their three children were on board, the German industrial conglomerate confirmed in a statement Friday. Adams said the children were 4, 8 and 10 years old.
“NYPD units from aviation, harbor, scuba and patrol all responded, with our first units arriving at the site within minutes. Our NYPD divers entered the water, along with rescue personnel from FDNY, Port Authority and various New Jersey agencies,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. “NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, and FDNY divers recovered an additional two. Immediate lifesaving measures were undertaken on the vessels on the scene as well as the adjoining pier. Four victims were pronounced dead on scene, and two more were removed to local area hospitals, where sadly both succumbed to their injuries.”
Emergency responders were gathering on both sides of the river. On the Manhattan side, the NYPD was mobilizing on the West Side Highway and Spring Street.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “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 of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!”
The deadly flight
The helicopter involved was a Bell 206, according to the FAA. It was with the tour company New York Helicopters, Tisch said. It took off from Lower Manhattan at around 3 p.m., Adams said.
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed the helicopter was owned by a company called Meridian Helicopters out of Louisiana. That company describes itself as a helicopter brokerage; they sell, lease and refurbish helicopters.
After takeoff, the helicopter apparently flew over Governor’s Island and then near the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River along Manhattan’s West Side before turning around just past the George Washington Bridge and flying back down along the Jersey side of the river before coming down near Jersey City.
