On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a sightseeing helicopter carrying a family tragically crashed into the Hudson River near Hoboken, New Jersey, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including Agustín Escobar, the CEO of Siemens Spain, and his family. The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local and international communities, as the family was visiting from Barcelona, celebrating a special occasion.
The helicopter, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, took off from the downtown Manhattan heliport at 2:59 p.m. and was meant to provide a panoramic view of New York City, including the iconic Statue of Liberty. Witnesses reported that the aircraft began to lose control shortly after taking off, with some stating that they saw parts of the helicopter detach in mid-air before it plunged into the river upside down. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m., with multiple 911 calls flooding in shortly thereafter.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed during a press conference that the victims included Escobar, his wife Mercé Camprubí Montal, and their three young children, ages 4, 5, and 11. "Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board," Adams said, expressing his condolences. The family had arrived in New York just hours earlier, and the helicopter tour was intended to be a memorable experience for them.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as they watched the helicopter drop from the sky. One witness remarked that it appeared to be “falling apart” before it hit the water. Emergency responders arrived promptly, with police pulling four individuals from the water and firefighters rescuing two more. Unfortunately, four victims were declared dead at the scene, while the two children were taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where they were also pronounced dead.
Agustín Escobar was a prominent figure in the business world, having recently been appointed CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility in December 2024. He had a long and distinguished career with Siemens, holding various leadership positions since joining the company in 2010. His tragic death, alongside his family, has been described as an “unimaginable tragedy” by Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who shared his condolences on social media.
The helicopter was operated by New York Helicopter Charter, a company that has faced scrutiny in the past for safety issues. Michael Roth, the CEO of New York Helicopter Charter, expressed his devastation over the incident, stating, "The only thing I can tell you is that we are devastated. I’m a father, a grandfather and my wife hasn’t stopped crying since this afternoon." However, when asked about the helicopter's maintenance, Roth deferred to the company’s director of maintenance, who declined to comment.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the helicopter had an airworthiness certificate issued in 2016, valid until 2029. Despite this, the aircraft had a history of mechanical issues, including a serious incident in Chile in 2010 and another in New Jersey in 2015, which raised concerns about its operational safety. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash and will examine all maintenance records and compliance with FAA directives that had been issued regarding the helicopter model.
Flight tracking data indicated that the helicopter flew for approximately 16 minutes before the crash, reaching the George Washington Bridge and then turning south along the New Jersey shoreline. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were cloudy with winds between 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Visibility was reported to be good, but the conditions may have played a role in the crash.
The FAA has temporarily prohibited drone pilots from flying near the crash site without specific authorization to allow for the ongoing investigation. The NTSB has stated that a team of investigators is en route to the scene to gather more information and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
As the community mourns the loss of the Escobar family, many are left questioning how such a tragic accident could occur. The incident has reignited discussions about helicopter safety regulations and the oversight of tour companies in New York City, especially given the recent history of aviation accidents in the region. Just days before the crash, another aviation incident occurred in Washington D.C., where an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter.
In light of this tragedy, it is essential for authorities to ensure that rigorous safety measures are in place to protect passengers in the future. The loss of Agustín Escobar and his family is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety.
