Tragic Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Claims Six Lives Including Siemens Executive’s Family

A devastating tragedy unfolded in New York City on Thursday afternoon when a tourist helicopter carrying a family from Spain plummeted into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of all six people on board in a horrifying mid-air breakup.

The Bell 206 aircraft, which witnesses described as having “split in half” before spiraling downward, crashed near Pier 40 in Manhattan close to the Hoboken border around 3:15 p.m. on April 10, according to official reports from the New York Fire Department.

Spanish Family and Pilot Identified as Victims

Among the victims were a high-ranking executive from global technology corporation Siemens, Agustin Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children. Law enforcement sources confirmed the family had just arrived in New York from Barcelona earlier that day, making this tragedy even more heartbreaking.

The sixth victim was identified as the helicopter pilot, though authorities have not yet released their name as investigations continue.

Helicopter Company CEO “Absolutely Devastated”

The ill-fated helicopter belonged to tour operator New York Helicopter, a company that markets itself on providing comfortable and safe aerial tours of the Big Apple. Michael Roth, the visibly shaken CEO, spoke briefly to The Post following the incident.

“I’m absolutely devastated,” Roth stated. “The only thing I know by watching a video of the helicopter falling down, that the main rotor blades weren’t on the helicopter. And I haven’t seen anything like that in my 30 years being in business, in the helicopter business.”

This unexpected mechanical failure—the complete separation of the rotor blades—has raised serious questions about what could have caused such a catastrophic malfunction in what should have been a routine sightseeing flight.

Massive Emergency Response to the Crash

Dozens of first responders rushed to the scene as the aircraft plunged into the river. NYPD diving teams worked quickly to recover all six victims from the water. Officials reported that four of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to a local hospital where they later “succumbed to their injuries,” according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the helicopter appeared to break apart mid-air before spinning out of control and hitting the water. Videos captured by bystanders show the aircraft descending rapidly without its main rotor blades attached, explaining why it was unable to maintain flight.

Part of a Troubling Pattern

This devastating incident joins a concerning list of fatal helicopter accidents involving tourist flights in New York City in recent years. The city’s helicopter tour industry has faced increased scrutiny over safety concerns, with critics questioning whether such flights should continue to operate in the densely populated metropolitan area.

Safety advocates have previously called for stricter regulations on tourist helicopter operations, citing the potential dangers posed by mechanical failures over one of America’s most densely populated urban centers.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to conduct thorough investigations into what caused the helicopter to lose its main rotor blades mid-flight—an extremely rare and catastrophic mechanical failure.

Investigators will likely examine maintenance records, pilot experience, weather conditions, and the helicopter’s mechanical history to determine what led to this tragedy. The Bell 206 model has generally maintained a solid safety record when properly maintained, making this failure particularly concerning to aviation experts.

A City in Mourning

The crash has sent shockwaves through both New York City and Barcelona, where the Escobar-Camprubi family was reportedly well-known. Siemens has yet to release an official statement about the loss of their executive and his family, but colleagues have expressed their profound grief on social media.

New York City Mayor has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the victims, calling the incident “a terrible tragedy that has affected two countries and countless lives.” The Spanish consulate is reportedly working with authorities to assist with arrangements for the family.

As the investigation continues, this heart-wrenching accident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly a tourist adventure can turn tragic, leaving both New Yorkers and visitors confronting difficult questions about transportation safety in one of the world’s most visited cities.