Tragic Helicopter Crash in New York City
NEW YORK CITY – A sightseeing helicopter operating in New York City suffered a catastrophic failure on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the aircraft plunging into the Hudson River. All six individuals on board, including two adults and three children from Spain, were killed, along with the pilot.
Details of the Incident
On April 10, 2025, the helicopter—part of the New York Helicopter Tours fleet—took off from a heliport in Lower Manhattan at approximately 2:59 PM. Within minutes, at around 3:08 PM, it lost control near Pier A Park in Hoboken, New Jersey. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, noting the helicopter appeared to disintegrate midair, with parts including the tail and rotors detaching.
Victims Identified
The victims have been named as:
- Agustin Escobar, a Siemens executive
- Mercè Camprubí Montal, an energy technology manager
- Mercedes Escobar Camprubí, their 9-year-old daughter
- Seanqese Johnson, the pilot
Escobar had a significant tenure at Siemens, serving in various leadership roles for over 27 years. Montal’s career involved pivotal roles in a prominent energy tech firm. Tragically, Mercedes was set to celebrate her 9th birthday the day after the crash.
Official Statements
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a press conference following the incident, expressing condolences for the families affected. Siemens released a statement conveying their sorrow over the loss of Escobar and his family, emphasizing their deep sympathy for those grieving.
Investigation Underway
The NTSB is actively investigating the crash, with preliminary causes not yet determined. Officials confirmed that they are focusing on recovering perishable evidence from the crash site, which is located in shallow water and rocky terrain. Divers have already retrieved some wreckage, while the search for missing rotor components continues.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses have provided critical accounts, describing how the helicopter “fell apart” in the air. “The propeller just exploded and scattered, right,” one observer recounted. Many witnesses mentioned that the helicopter was spiraling uncontrollably before its tragic descent.
Past Incidents in New York
This particular accident highlights ongoing concerns regarding helicopter safety in heavily populated urban areas. There have been multiple fatal crashes in New York City over the years, including notable incidents such as:
- A 2009 midair collision between a plane and a tourist helicopter that killed nine.
- A 2018 crash into the East River that resulted in five fatalities.
Concerns about the safety of helicopter operations in New York have been mounting, especially in light of the frequency of incidents and the potential risks posed to the city’s busy airspace.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into the crash will continue, seeking to uncover the exact circumstances that led to this tragic event. Officials are appealing for any additional witnesses or video evidence that may provide insight into the helicopter’s final moments.
Conclusion
The loss of Agustin Escobar, Mercè Camprubí Montal, their daughter Mercedes, and pilot Seanqese Johnson serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation in urban environments. Authorities are committed to determining the cause of this tragic accident to enhance safety measures for future flights.
