Six people were killed on Thursday afternoon in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River in Jersey City, New Jersey.
According to The New York Post, while the identity of the helicopter pilot has not yet been released, the other five victims have been identified as CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility Agustin Escobar; Escobar’s wife, Merce Camprubi Montal; and the couple’s 4-year-old, 5-year-old, and 11-year old children.
Fox News reported that New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters during a Thursday news conference that officials received multiple 911 calls at roughly 3:17 p.m. regarding a helicopter crash in the Hudson River. The outlet noted that the Bell 206 helicopter was upside-down when it crashed into the river and that the helicopter’s cabin was visible.
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), divers from FDNY and the New York Police Department (FDNY) were quickly deployed to the scene of the crash.
“We have FDNY assets right up the road here, and we launched our boats immediately,” the FDNY tweeted. “This operation was a joint operation between the FDNY and the NYPD. Our rescue swimmers were in the water shortly after the call and recovered some of the victims.”
According to Fox News, while emergency responders performed lifesaving measures after the victims were recovered, four of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and the other two victims were declared dead at local hospitals.
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Fox News reported that based on flight tracking software and a statement obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Bell 206 helicopter, which belonged to the New York Helicopters tour company, departed from Manhattan at roughly 2:59 p.m. on Thursday. According to the outlet, the helicopter lost control shortly after it passed the George Washington Bridge and turned south along the shoreline of New Jersey.
According to Fox News, the Bell 206 helicopter crashed near the shore of Hoboken, New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the agency will investigate Thursday’s helicopter crash alongside the National Transportation Safety Board.
In a statement on Truth Social following Thursday’s crash, President Donald Trump wrote, “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people, the pilot, two adults, and three children, are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly!”
A video shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows the helicopter crashing into the Hudson River.
