A tragic helicopter crash into the Hudson River on April 10 claimed the lives of all six people on board, including Spanish tech executive Agustín Escobar, his wife, and their three children. The incident occurred near Newport Park, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting investigations into the cause of the disaster.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene, describing the aircraft spiraling out of control before splitting in two and submerging into the frigid waters. Rashmi Kamkeri, an engineer who lives close to the crash site, reported hearing a thunderous crash at 3:19 p.m. before witnessing the helicopter plummet just ten feet above the water, creating a massive splash as it disappeared beneath the surface. "It was horrifying," Kamkeri told DailyMail.com. "I thought it was thunder and ten seconds later I saw the helicopter 10 feet above the water falling and then it made a big splash and went underneath the water. I panicked... then saw a piece of the helicopter fall into the water. The Waterway boat was moving and then it took a turn. I was almost in tears praying that someone would come and save them. I wished there would be someone survives. I am so sad."

The Bell 206L-4 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter Tours, had departed from the Wall Street Heliport just 16 minutes before the crash. The flight path included a circle around the Statue of Liberty before heading north along the Hudson River at an altitude of 1,000 feet. Emergency responders arrived on the scene swiftly, but despite their efforts, all six occupants were pronounced dead – four at the crash site and two at a nearby hospital.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred under cloudy skies with winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. The water temperature was approximately 50°F, posing challenges for recovery operations. Surface visibility was deemed good, but conditions remain a factor in the ongoing investigation. Initial reports suggest the pilot warned of fuel shortages just before the aircraft went down near Pier 40, closer to the New Jersey side, at approximately 3:15 p.m.

The victims included Agustín Escobar, CEO of Siemens Spain, his wife, and their three children, along with the pilot, whose identity has yet to be confirmed. Escobar was remembered as a distinguished leader with a remarkable career in the energy sector, also serving as the vice president of the German Chamber of Commerce for Spain. Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard.”

Footage has emerged of the ill-fated helicopter, which had taken off from Manhattan less than 30 minutes before the crash. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that all six bodies have been recovered. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the crash will be thoroughly investigated, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leading the inquiry.

In an unrelated incident, a report revealed that an "unsecured" penguin in a cardboard box contributed to a helicopter crash in South Africa on January 19. The penguin, placed on a passenger's lap, slid off and interfered with the pilot's controls, causing the helicopter to crash shortly after takeoff. Fortunately, no one was injured in that incident. The South African Civil Aviation Authority emphasized the importance of secure containment for animals during flights.

This recent Hudson River tragedy is not the first deadly helicopter crash in New York City. In 2018, a tourist helicopter crashed into the East River, resulting in the drowning of five passengers. In 2009, a helicopter carrying Italian tourists collided with a private plane over the Hudson River, killing nine people. These incidents highlight the inherent risks associated with helicopter travel and the importance of stringent safety regulations.