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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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Six people were killed on Thursday when a helicopter carrying tourists crashed into New York's Hudson River after taking off from the Wall Street Skyport.
Newsweek contacted New York Helicopter Charter, the tour company operating the helicopter, for comment on Friday via online inquiry form.
What Happened, Why Did the Helicopter Crash?
According to law enforcement, the helicopter, a Bell 206, crashed into the water after breaking apart midair on Thursday afternoon.
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The New York Police Department (NYPD) said it was first alerted to the incident at 3:17 p.m. ET, with Commissioner Jessica Tisch telling reporters the first rescue teams arrived "within minutes."
"NYPD units from aviation, harbor, scuba and patrol all responded, with our first units arriving at the site within minutes. Our NYPD divers entered the water, along with rescue personnel from FDNY, Port Authority and various New Jersey agencies," Tisch said. "NYPD divers pulled four people from the crash site, and FDNY divers recovered an additional two."
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote: "The New York City Fire Department Marine Division and New York Police Department Harbor Unit responded to the scene on the New Jersey side of the Hudson shortly after 911 calls started. Divers from both teams immediately jumped into action, as did medical personnel onsite."
Speaking at a press conference, Adams said the helicopter took off from the Downtown Skyport, also known as the Wall Street Skyport, at around 3 p.m. ET. The crash took place near Pier 40, on the Jersey City side of the Hudson River.
Footage posted to X showed the helicopter, which appeared to be missing its tail and propeller, crashing into the water followed by a loud splash.
Eyewitness Sarah Jane Raymond Ryer told local news station WCBS that "the helicopter was a little bit like nose down, slightly, and I saw the propeller separating from the helicopter. It kept spinning in the air alone. Nothing was attached to it."
Authorities have not yet said what they believe caused the crash, but an investigation has been launched.
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Who Are the Victims of the Hudson River Crash?
Of the six killed, five were Spanish tourists from one family consisting of 49-year-old Siemens executive AgustÃn Escobar, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal and their children aged 4, 5 and 11.
The sixth fatality was the 36-year-old pilot who has yet to be named.
Escobar was CEO of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, a subdivision of German technology company Siemens that focused on transportation.
In a statement provided to CNN, a Siemens Mobility spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones."
How Many Helicopter Crashes Happen Each Year?
According to the United States Helicopter Safety Team, a group created by the U.S. government and industry stakeholders, there were 78 helicopter accidents across the nation last year, of which 11 caused fatalities with 26 people dying in total.
The Associated Press reports that in New York City alone 38 people have died in helicopter crashes since 1977, when five people were killed after a rotor broke loose while a helicopter was attempting to land on the Pan Am Building (now called the MetLife Building).
What Happens Next?
Thursday's crash will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FFA), with the NTSB taking the lead.
President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the victims' families on Thursday in a Truth Social post and said more information about what took place will be released.
"Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us," the president wrote. "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!"
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