Siemens executive and family killed in Hudson River helicopter crash
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A helicopter is seen floating after it crashed into the Hudson River near lower Manhattan, New York City, on Thursday. Photo: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images
Siemens executive Agustín Escobar and his family were among six people to die when a helicopter crashed in the Hudson River, between New York and New Jersey, on Thursday, the company confirmed in an email.
The latest: The Spanish executive, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, and his children — ages 4, 5 and 11 — were aboard the helicopter when it crashed. The pilot, who also died in the crash, was not immediately identified.
- "We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which" the Barcelona-based family lost their lives, a Siemens spokesperson said in an email on Friday morning. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones."
The big picture: New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during a press briefing the bodies were removed from the river following the crash, which was reported about 3pm Thursday.
- The Bell 206 helicopter was submerged in the Hudson as of 4:30pm Thursday ET, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statement said.
Zoom in: The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.
- The New York City Fire Department said its units were responding, with land marine units performing rescue operations.
- The fire department was assisting first responders closer to the New Jersey side of the river, per Adams.
What they're saying: "Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous," President Trump said on Truth Social.
- "God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!"
Zoom out: This is the latest air crash in a year marked by aviation anxiety following several collisions, though flying remains the safest way to travel.
- A fatal helicopter-plane crash in January prompted the FAA to permanently halt non-essential helicopter operations last month near Reagan National Washington Airport outside of D.C.
- At least 32 people have died in NYC helicopter accidents from 1977 to 2019, per an AP analysis.
- In 2018, five people drowned after a charter helicopter crashed into the East River. The pilot survived.
Go deeper: FAA closes helicopter route near D.C. airport after fatal crash
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
