A Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon, killing six people.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. near the Holland Tunnel ventilation shaft in Jersey City, close to River Drive South and Newport Parkway.
Surveillance indicated that the aircraft, which had taken off from Lower Manhattan around 3 p.m., struck the river near the Water’s Soul sculpture, prompting an immediate emergency response.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss, noting that three adults and three children perished, including a family from Spain and the pilot.
Among the victims was Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three children, aged 4, 8, and 10. Emergency responders from the NYPD, Coast Guard, and other agencies established a safety zone in the river, temporarily impacting ferry services.
The main wreckage was recovered Thursday evening while dive operations are set to resume Friday. The FAA and NTSB have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the Hudson River helicopter crash.
