New York, NY – Divers resumed search operations early Friday morning in the Hudson River, attempting to retrieve the remaining wreckage of a tourist helicopter that crashed mid-flight on Thursday, killing all six people aboard — including a Spanish family of five and the American pilot.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moment the aircraft “fell into pieces” in midair, followed by a series of loud, explosive noises — “like gunshots” — before the helicopter plummeted into the frigid waters off the coast of Jersey City.
The crash, which has left two nations in mourning, occurred during what was supposed to be a celebratory aerial tour over Manhattan. The victims included Agustín Escobar, a high-ranking Siemens executive; his wife Mercè Camprubí, who was celebrating her 40th birthday; and their three children, aged 11, 5, and 4.
🚁 Wreckage Recovery Underway
The helicopter, a Bell 206 model, took off from a Manhattan heliport on Thursday afternoon. Within minutes, flight data shows it began to descend rapidly. According to Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, the aircraft appeared to have broken apart in midair before crashing into the Hudson on the New Jersey side of the river.
Emergency crews initially launched a recovery mission Thursday evening but were forced to suspend operations overnight due to poor visibility and water conditions. Divers returned at first light Friday, focusing on retrieving what Fulop described as “major parts of the fuselage” and tail section.
📸 Witnesses Describe a Shocking Scene
Several people near the river at the time of the crash have shared chilling accounts of what they saw and heard.
“I heard a series of bangs that sounded like gunshots,” said Olivia Ramirez, who was walking along the riverfront. “Then I saw something falling from the sky — it was spinning. It hit the water hard, and everything went quiet.”
Another witness told local news, “There were pieces flying off. I didn’t know what I was seeing until I saw the splash. It was horrifying.”
🇪🇸 Spain Mourns
The news of the victims’ identities has rocked Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his sorrow in a statement on social media, offering condolences to the loved ones of the family.
“Devastated by the tragic helicopter accident in New York,” Sánchez wrote. “All of Spain shares in the grief of the relatives and friends of the Escobar-Camprubí family.”
The victims were visiting New York for a family holiday and had booked the helicopter tour to celebrate Mercè Camprubí’s milestone birthday.
Both parents were well-known figures in the business world: Escobar was a senior executive at Siemens Mobility, while Camprubí held a global marketing position at Siemens Energy. Camprubí was also the granddaughter of Agustí Montal i Costa, a former president of FC Barcelona, one of the most historic football clubs in Spain.
🧩 Investigation in Progress
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation. A flight data recorder, if recovered from the helicopter, could prove essential in understanding the crash.
So far, no official cause has been confirmed, but authorities say early signs point to a catastrophic mechanical failure or possible structural issue. The pilot’s name has not yet been released publicly.
“We are analyzing witness footage, radar data, and maintenance records,” said an NTSB spokesperson. “This will be a thorough and meticulous investigation.”
The helicopter tour company involved has suspended all operations until further notice.
⚖️ Renewed Debate on Helicopter Tour Safety
This tragic incident is likely to reignite ongoing debate about the safety of sightseeing helicopter tours over major U.S. cities. New York City has seen similar accidents in recent years, leading to growing public concern about the regulation of these tours.
Advocacy groups are now calling for tighter restrictions, including stricter flight paths, more frequent maintenance checks, and limits on tour operations in densely populated urban areas.
🕯️ A City and a Family Remembered
As investigators work to determine what caused this heartbreaking crash, New Yorkers have begun leaving flowers and candles at the Jersey City waterfront, where the helicopter went down. The gesture reflects both sorrow and solidarity for a family whose lives were cut short during what was meant to be a joyful occasion.
The Spanish consulate in New York is coordinating with U.S. authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the family’s remains, while Siemens released a statement calling the loss “unimaginable” and honoring the contributions of two of its most admired professionals.