NEW YORK: A Spanish family celebrating a birthday here died when their sightseeing helicopter plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday, killing all six people onboard.
Among the victims was Siemens Mobility’s Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure, Agustin Escobar, his wife and their three young children – all aged 11 and under – along with the pilot.
They were on what the operator described as the “ultimate sightseeing tour of New York City”.
“They were celebrating the mom’s 40th birthday,” said Jersey City Mayor, Steven Fulop.
The helicopter reportedly disintegrated mid-air before crashing into the water.
Video footage shows the cockpit separating from the rotor, which investigators believe struck the helicopter’s body, severing the tail and triggering a catastrophic loss of control.
Authorities are probing possible causes, including a drone collision, bird strike or mechanical failure.
The cockpit was recovered by crane overnight as divers continued searching for debris, including the main rotor.
A family member has flown in to assist with repatriation.
The crash has renewed scrutiny of US aviation safety, coming months after a fatal military helicopter-passenger jet collision in Washington, and a deadly small aircraft crash in Florida on Friday.
New York has recorded about 30 helicopter crashes since 1980.
Brooklyn Borough President, Mark Levine, called for tighter regulations, citing growing safety concerns.
Mayor Eric Adams described the incident as “heartbreaking”, while bystanders recalled panic and confusion.
“I thought it was a bomb,” said Swiss tourist, Arafa Cherif.
Despite rescue efforts, including two victims rushed to hospital, no survivors were found. – AFP
