BREAKING: Fatalities Reported After Helicopter Crashes Into Hudson River

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Emergency personnel respond to a helicopter crash in the Hudson River (via Eyewitness News ABC7 / YouTube)

A Helicopter Carrying Six People Crashed Into The Hudson River Thursday Afternoon

Multiple fatalities have been reported after a helicopter crashed near the Jersey City side of the Hudson River around 3:30 pm Eastern on Thursday, April 10th.

According to officials, the aircraft had two adult and three child passengers, as well as one pilot on board. According to the New York City mayor’s office, the helicopter took off from Lower Manhattan and was carrying tourists from Spain on what was likely a sightseeing excursion.

map of helicopter crash
Approximate location of the crash on the Hudson River (via The New York Times)

A witness of the incident told ABC7 Eyewitness News:

“I heard a loud snap … I looked over … and I could see a helicopter falling on its side and splash into the water. I didn’t see anyone come out.”

Hudson River Helicopter Crash Caught On Camera

Another witness told NBC New York that she saw a propeller break off of the helicopter before it plunged into the water below. The chilling moment was caught on camera. Viewer discretion is advised.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene, and the Coast Guard stopped vessel traffic in the area and quickly established a safety zone. Police boats, floatation devices, and debris could be seen in the area where the crash occurred.

At approximately 4:30 pm Eastern, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement:

“A Bell 206 helicopter crashed and is submerged in the Hudson River in New York City. The number of people on board is unknown at this time. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.”

Victims Of The Crash Identified

Later that evening, it was confirmed that all six individuals perished in the crash. The victims were identified as Agustin Escobar, president and CEO of technology company Siemens in Spain, his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, ages 4, 5, and 11. The pilot’s identity has not yet been released.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Escobar family in front of the doomed helicopter
Agustin Escobar and his family posed for photos before taking an aerial tour of New York City. (Photo credit: New York Helicopter Tours LLC.)

Our prayers go out to everyone affected by the heartbreaking tragedy at the Hudson River.

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About the Author

Amanda Tubbs

Amanda Tubbs was born and raised in the small mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, California, but spent a decade in San Diego after attending San Diego State University where she studied Communication and Marketing. In 2022, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and is thrilled to call it home after planning the move for years. Her…

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