New York, NY – April 11, 2025
A devastating helicopter crash occurred in New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board. The incident, which took place near Pier 40 on the Jersey City side of the river, has left the city in mourning and raised questions about the safety of sightseeing helicopter tours.
The Bell 206 LongRanger, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, was carrying a family of five Spanish tourists and a 36-year-old pilot when it plunged into the river at approximately 3:17 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise, possibly indicating engine trouble, before seeing the aircraft emit black smoke and crash inverted into the water, missing its tail rotor and main rotor blade. Video footage circulating on social media captured the helicopter spinning out of control moments before impact.
Emergency responders, including the New York City Fire Department, NYPD, and dive teams, acted swiftly, recovering the wreckage and the bodies of the victims. Despite CPR efforts, four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, and two others passed away at a nearby hospital. The victims included Agustín Escobar, a prominent Siemens executive from Spain, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children, aged 4, 5, and 11.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragedy in a press conference, calling it “heartbreaking” and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. “We are working closely with the Spanish consulate to notify next of kin and support those affected,” Adams said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Early reports suggest the pilot radioed a warning about low fuel just before the incident, though no official cause has been confirmed.
The crash has reignited concerns about the safety of helicopter tourism in New York City, where at least 38 fatalities have been recorded in similar incidents since 1977. The operator, New York Helicopter Tours, has faced scrutiny in the past, with two midair breakdowns reported in the last 12 years. Michael Roth, the company’s CEO, expressed devastation, noting the unprecedented nature of the rotor blade failure observed in the crash footage.
As the investigation continues, the city mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the implications for its bustling tourism industry. For updates on this developing story, visit manhattanexpress.com.
By Dr.Alaric, Manhattan Express Staff Writer
