Tragedy struck on Thursday, April 10, when a sightseeing helicopter carrying a Spanish family of five crashed into the Hudson River in New York City, killing all on board, including the pilot.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that Agustin Escobar, the Global CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, was among the victims, along with his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children.Heartbreaking images from the New York Helicopter Tours website show the family smiling in front of the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV and seated inside the chopper just moments before takeoff.
Escobar’s wife, Merce, worked in Barcelona as a global commercialization manager at Siemens Energy for seven years, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Their children were believed to be in middle school or younger.
The Escobars had recently arrived in New York from Barcelona for a family vacation and were sightseeing in Manhattan when the helicopter crashed into the Hudson River around 3pm on Thursday.
The 36-year-old pilot was also killed Divers from the NYPD and FDNY pulled all six occupants from the wreckage. Sadly, none survived.
“NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, and FDNY Divers recovered an additional two. Immediate lifesaving measures were undertaken on the vessels at the scene, as well as the adjoining pier,” police commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Thursday evening.
“Four victims were pronounced dead on scene, and two more were removed to local area hospitals, where, sadly, both succumbed to their injuries.”
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed in a statement it was Bell 206 helicopter.
“A Bell 206 helicopter crashed and is submerged in the Hudson River in New York City. The number of people on board is unknown at this time. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The @NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates,” FAA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump called the crash “terrible.”
“Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly,” he wrote on Truth Social
