Six people, including three children, died in a tragic helicopter crash in New York City's Hudson River on Thursday. The New York City mayor confirmed the incident to CNN.
New York: A private helicopter crashed in the Hudson River in New York City on Thursday, resulting in a devastating accident. The crash claimed the lives of six people, including Agustin Escobar, the Chairman and CEO of Siemens Spain, his wife, and their three children. The pilot was also killed.
Accident Shortly After Takeoff from Manhattan
According to reports from CNN and the New York Post, the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter was flying north over the Hudson River after taking off from Manhattan, circling near the Statue of Liberty. Technical difficulties were reported, and the pilot attempted to turn south but crashed into the river near the New Jersey border.
Weather a Contributing Factor?
The NYPD reported cloudy skies and winds reaching 25 mph at the time of the incident. While visibility was reportedly good, the weather service had predicted light rain. It remains unclear whether weather conditions or mechanical failure caused the crash. Following the accident, New York Police and Coast Guard teams immediately initiated rescue efforts. However, all passengers were deceased by the time divers reached the helicopter. Authorities advised residents to stay away from the area and issued traffic alerts.
FAA and NTSB Launch Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the tragic accident. The helicopter's black box and other technical records have been secured to determine the cause of the crash. Agustin Escobar's untimely death has been met with widespread grief within the global business community, including Siemens Spain.
