Edition8 News Staff

Published April 11, 2025

A devastating helicopter crash in the Hudson River near Manhattan on Thursday claimed the lives of six individuals aboard, including a Spanish family of five visiting New York City.​

The victims were identified as Agustin Escobar, global CEO of Siemens Mobility's rail infrastructure division, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, a Siemens Energy manager, and their three children. The family was in New York celebrating Camprubí's 40th birthday, according to People Magazine.​

The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, crashed around 3:15 p.m. near Pier 40. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom as the helicopter fell from the sky. CEO Michael Roth stated that the pilot had radioed in about needing fuel shortly before the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter may have experienced a rotor failure, as main rotor blades appeared detached in video footage.

Emergency responders recovered the wreckage, and investigations are underway by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, have expressed condolences. The Spanish government has also extended sympathies, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offering his heartfelt condolences. ​

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about air safety in New York City's heavily trafficked helicopter corridors, particularly given the area's popularity for tourist flights over city landmarks.

Helicopter crash in the Hudson River claims the life of Siemens Exec Agustin Escobar, his wife, three kids, and pilot