Tragic Hudson River Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives Amid Fuel Emergency

Tragic Hudson River Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives Amid Fuel Emergency

Recent revelations have shed light on the harrowing final moments of a helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey on Thursday afternoon.

The pilot of the ill-fated helicopter made a radio call shortly before the accident to announce a need for fuel. This was disclosed by Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Tours, which operated the aircraft.

According to Roth, the pilot indicated he was landing and required fuel, adding that the flight was scheduled to take just three minutes. However, when twenty minutes passed without any sign of the helicopter, concern began to mount.

Tragically, all six individuals on board, including five family members, perished in the crash.

Victims Identified

Among the deceased are Agustin Escobar, an executive with Siemens, along with his wife, Mercé Camprubi Montal, a global manager at an energy technology company. Their three young children also lost their lives in this tragedy, according to reports from The Associated Press.

The pilot’s name has not yet been released as of Friday morning.

Heartbreaking photos from the helicopter operator’s website depict the family smiling just moments before takeoff, a stark contrast to the tragic turn of events that followed.

Helicopter Incident Details

The helicopter took off from a heliport in downtown Manhattan around 3 p.m. It was airborne for roughly 18 minutes. Eyewitnesses captured bystander video showing the rotor detaching from the cabin as the aircraft plummeted toward the water, illustrating the severity of the situation.

Authorities received emergency calls regarding the crash at approximately 3:17 p.m., with New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirming the timeline during a press briefing. Witnesses reported observing the helicopter spinning uncontrollably before ultimately crashing into the river.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sorrow over the incident, highlighting the family’s visit from Spain and emphasizing the tragedy of such an accident occurring during what should have been a joyful family vacation.

Adams remarked, “We had over 65 million visitors to our city last year, and just think about it. You come on vacation, you’re with your family, and you want to experience New York from the sky, and then something like this happens. It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved.”

Emergency Response

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with divers from the New York City Fire Department and the New York City Police Department arriving promptly. NYPD responders managed to recover four victims from the wreckage, while FDNY divers retrieved two others.

Although first responders initiated lifesaving measures on an adjacent pier, four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining casualties succumbed to their injuries at hospitals.

The temperature of the Hudson River at the time of the accident was reported to be in the mid-40s, an additional factor that complicated rescue efforts.

The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside the Army Corps of Engineers, has engaged in ongoing efforts to recover debris from the helicopter. The craft itself was salvaged several hours post-incident, further contributing to the investigation.

Investigation Underway

Roth provided insights regarding the crash, revealing his astonishment at witnessing the helicopter fall without its main rotor blades. He speculated that either a bird strike or catastrophic rotor failure could have contributed to the crash, admitting to a lack of clarity regarding the exact cause.

This incident marks New York City’s first helicopter crash since 2019, when a different aircraft tragically struck a skyscraper, claiming the pilot’s life. Mayor Adams offered condolences to the families involved, recalling that earlier incident and expressing relief that there had been no fatalities then.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, the Coast Guard established a safety zone surrounding the waters impacted, including the nearby Holland Tunnel, to ensure public safety while recovery operations were underway.

Emergency responders continued to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the official investigation.

The circumstances leading to this heart-wrenching accident highlight not only the inherent risks involved in helicopter flights but also the vital need for ongoing safety checks and protocols to avert future tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will seek to uncover the precise sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking event on the Hudson River.

The community mourns the loss of life, sending thoughts and prayers to the families affected, while also emphasizing the importance of vigilance in aviation safety measures.

Fox News Digital’s contributions to this report are acknowledged.