Tourist Helicopter Crashes in Hudson River, All Six On Board Killed

A tragic helicopter crash in New York City’s Hudson River on Thursday claimed the lives of all six people on board, including a Spanish family with three children and the pilot, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, took off around 3 PM ET from a downtown helipad and was flying north over the river before turning back south. Minutes later, it flipped upside down and crashed near Hoboken, New Jersey, sinking rapidly. Witnesses described seeing debris scatter across the water before emergency crews rushed to the scene.

Among the victims was Agustín Escobar, an executive at Siemens, as reported by The New York Times. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of those on board.

Eyewitness Account:
Dani Horbiak, a Jersey City resident, saw the crash from her apartment window. “I saw the helicopter falling apart, pieces hitting the water—it was terrifying,” she told Reuters. She immediately called 911, but responders were already on their way.

Rescue & Recovery Efforts:
Divers pulled all six victims from the wreckage—four were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others died at nearby hospitals. The helicopter’s landing gear was the only visible part above the water as rescue teams worked.

Safety Concerns & Past Incidents:
This isn’t the first deadly helicopter crash in New York. In 2018, five people died when a sightseeing chopper plunged into the East River. The FAA and NTSB are investigating this latest crash, with a press briefing expected Friday.

Helicopter tours are popular in NYC, offering breathtaking skyline views, but safety regulations remain under scrutiny—especially after recent aviation accidents in the U.S.