A tour helicopter carrying a Spanish business executive and his family plunged into New York City's Hudson River Thursday afternoon, leading to the deaths of all six people aboard.
According to Daily Mail, the terrifying crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. near the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, just off Lower Manhattan's tip.
The victims included a Spanish business executive, an adult relative, three children, and the pilot operating the Bell 206L-4 helicopter owned by the New York Helicopter tour company. Witnesses described seeing the aircraft split in half before crashing into the water, with some reporting what sounded like a sonic boom moments before the devastating impact.
The ill-fated helicopter took off from the Wall Street Heliport and flew for approximately 16 minutes before the crash.
During its flight, the aircraft circled the Statue of Liberty before heading up the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge at an altitude of about 1,000 feet.
Weather conditions at the time showed cloudy skies with winds between 10 to 15 mph and gusts reaching 25 mph. The water temperature was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with surface visibility at 10 miles despite the cloudy conditions as a weather system moved into the region.
One witness described the horrifying scene before the crash. According to her account:
I heard a loud snap ... I looked over ... and I could see a helicopter falling on its side and splash into the water. I didn't see anyone come out.
Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, while two others were rushed to nearby hospitals where they later succumbed to their injuries. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the deaths of all six passengers aboard the helicopter.
The Spanish Consulate of New York City is working with authorities as the victims' identities are being withheld pending family notification. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the Jersey City Police Department would lead the investigation until National Transportation Safety Board officials arrive.
The crash adds to a concerning history of helicopter incidents in New York City's airspace. Since 1977, at least 32 people have lost their lives in helicopter crashes within the city limits. The most recent previous incident occurred in 2018 when five passengers drowned after their helicopter crashed into the East River.
The devastating helicopter crash on the Hudson River claimed six lives, including three children from Spain who were touring New York City with family members.
The incident occurred when their Bell 206L-4 helicopter, operated by the New York Helicopter tour company, crashed into the river after witnesses reported seeing it split in half mid-flight.
The crash investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the Jersey City Police Department, with the National Transportation Safety Board expected to take over. As authorities work to determine the cause of this tragic accident, the Spanish Consulate continues coordinating with local officials regarding the victims' families.
