Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives in Hudson River
Six lives were lost on Thursday afternoon after a helicopter, suspected to be carrying a Spanish tourist family, tragically crashed into the Hudson River.
The unfortunate incident occurred at 3:17 p.m. on the Hoboken side of the river. On board were a family of five from Barcelona — a couple and their three young children aged 4, 5, and 11 — along with a pilot, making a total of six people.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the helicopter was run by New York Helicopters. Disturbing footage shared with Eyewitness News shows the helicopter disintegrating and plunging into the water. Authorities reported that the helicopter hit the surface upside down.
Four of the victims were pronounced dead at the crash site, while the remaining two succumbed to their injuries at nearby hospitals. Officials are withholding the names until the families are informed.
Rescue divers from the FDNY and NYPD quickly arrived at the scene to assist in the recovery efforts.
According to the FAA, the aircraft was a Bell 206 helicopter that had departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. It followed a route up to the George Washington Bridge before turning back south along New Jersey’s riverbank, losing radar contact at 3:25 p.m.
Dani Horbiak, who witnessed the crash from her apartment window, recounted, “I watched it fall out of the sky! I heard five or six loud noises as if gunshots were being fired overhead and saw debris falling before the entire helicopter plunged into the river.”
Another eyewitness felt certain they’d heard a sonic boom, noting, “When the noise came, I thought it was a sonic boom or something.”
Sandra Bookman and her team gathered more details from various witnesses in Jersey City about the calamity.
Heartfelt condolences were expressed by Mayor Eric Adams who said, “Our hearts go out to the family and everyone on board.”
The Spanish Consulate in New York is coordinating with local authorities to confirm identities and gather more information on the tragic event, according to Spain’s Foreign Ministry communications.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop highlighted the area’s bustling air traffic, hoping the disaster would prompt discussions to mitigate congestion. “There are significant safety concerns that need addressing, beyond just noise,” Fulop pointed out.
Following the crash, the FAA announced a temporary suspension of operations around the Hudson River.
An NTSB go-team is en route to investigate the crash, expected to arrive on Thursday evening.
Since 1977, there have been at least 32 fatalities in helicopter crashes in New York City. The last incident occurred in 2019 when a helicopter assigned for executive transport collided with a Manhattan skyscraper, resulting in the pilot’s death.