A sightseeing helicopter carrying a family of tourists from Spain plunged into New York City's Hudson River during what began as a routine aerial tour of Manhattan's iconic skyline.
According to the Daily Mail, all six people aboard the tour helicopter, including three children, a business executive from Spain, an adult relative, and the pilot, were killed when the aircraft crashed into the Hudson River near the New Jersey side on Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. when the Bell 206L-4 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, suddenly split in half before crashing into the water near Pier 40, just off Lower Manhattan's tip. Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like a "sonic boom" before seeing the aircraft plummet into the river.
Dramatic final moments before fatal crash
The helicopter had been airborne for approximately 16 minutes, taking off from the Wall Street Heliport. It completed a circle near the Statue of Liberty before heading north along the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge at an altitude of about 1,000 feet.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash included cloudy skies with winds ranging from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. The water temperature was approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
One eyewitness at the scene shared their account of the terrifying incident:
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.
Emergency response and recovery efforts
Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were rushed to nearby hospitals where they later succumbed to their injuries, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The Spanish Consulate of New York City is working closely with authorities as the victims' names are being withheld pending family notification. The Spanish Foreign Ministry's communications team has confirmed their involvement in the case.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that the Jersey City Police Department would lead the investigation until National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials arrive at the scene.
History of helicopter incidents in NYC waters
This tragic incident adds to a concerning pattern of helicopter crashes in New York City, with at least 32 fatalities reported since 1977. The most recent previous crash occurred in 2018 when five passengers drowned after their helicopter crashed into the East River.
Manhattan's skies are frequently traversed by both planes and helicopters conducting private recreational flights, commercial operations, and tourist excursions. The city features multiple helipads commonly used by business executives for transportation across the metropolitan area.
Rescue efforts concluded by 5:15 p.m., with officials shifting their focus to recovering aircraft debris from the water.
Devastating outcome leaves community in shock
The fatal helicopter crash in New York City's Hudson River claimed the lives of six individuals, including three children and their family members visiting from Spain, along with the pilot. The Bell 206L-4 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, crashed Thursday afternoon after splitting in half mid-flight. As investigations continue under the leadership of the Jersey City Police Department, pending NTSB arrival, authorities work to understand the cause of this tragic incident that has deeply affected both the local and international community.
