Witnesses describe sound as helicopter slammed into Hudson River
On April 10, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded over New York City's Hudson River, resulting in the loss of six lives, including a prominent Siemens executive and his family.
The victims were Agustin Escobar, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, Global Marketing Manager at Siemens Energía, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. They were joined by the 36-year-old pilot, who also perished. The family, hailing from Barcelona, Spain, was on a sightseeing tour when the Bell 206 helicopter experienced an in-flight breakup and crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes as the helicopter disintegrated mid-air:
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"I heard five or six loud noises that sounded almost like gunshots in the sky and saw pieces fall off, then watched it fall into the river."
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"It sounded like a sonic boom on my right... I see a helicopter splitting in two with the rotor flying off..."
Investigation and Official Responses
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter lost its rotors, leading to an uncontrollable spin before plummeting into the river.
New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, have expressed condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard."
This incident has reignited discussions about helicopter safety over New York City. Calls for stricter regulations and potential flight bans over Manhattan and Brooklyn are being considered until comprehensive safety assessments can be conducted.
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