Six Dead, Including Siemens Executive and Family, in Hudson River Helicopter Crash
On April 10 of 2025 a fatal helicopter accident involving six individuals took place above New York City's Hudson River ending in their complete loss of life. The victims consisted of AgustÃn Escobar who led Siemens Mobility's Rail Infrastructure division while his wife Mercè Camprubà Montal and their children plus their pilot joined him in the death.
Details of the Crash
A Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter belonging to New York Helicopters started its sightseeing flight from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. EDT. Flight operations lasted 18 minutes when the helicopter experienced wreckage while flying before it crashed upside down near Pier 40 next to Newport in Jersey City opposite the New York City shoreline. Multiple observers heard strong noises before observing the helicopter breaking up in mid-flight and its pieces plunging into the river. Emergency responders discovered the helicopter underwater after the crash and announced four victims dead at the site while the other two patients lost their lives in hospital.
Victims Identified
Barcelona-based Spanish family members AgustÃn Escobar and his wife Mercè Camprubà Montal together with their three children who ranged from four to eleven years of age made up the helicopter passengers. The helicopter pilot who lost his life had reached the age of 36 at the time of his demise. The rail industry knew Escobar because of his leadership role and his dedication to implementing technological solutions for public good. As the global marketing manager at Siemens EnergÃa Camprubà Montal came from a distinguished Catalan family since her great-grandfather and grandfather led Barcelona.
Investigation Underway
Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration conduct an investigation into the accident. The helicopter manufacturer produced this model in 2004 and received its airworthiness certification in 2016 with a validity period lasting until 2029. During the conditions of light rain with winds reaching 21 mph helicopters could see up to 10 miles.
Reactions and Tributes
Through his statement Mayor Eric Adams conveyed sympathy to the families mourning their deceased relatives who perished in the helicopter crash. Through social media Pedro Sánchez expressed that the tragedy remained incomprehensible.
Michael Roth from New York Helicopter Charter Inc. expressed his devastation about the incident to reporters while mentioning that his wife remained inconsolable from the moment the news broke. Urban helicopter sightseeing tour safety has become a subject of debate after this accident happened. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a prohibition for unmanned drone operation within the crash zone with limited exceptions that require special authorization. The ongoing investigation leads the international community to mourn the death of both a pilot and a family unit at the same time while highlighting the necessity of enhanced safety protocols in air tourism.