Siemens Helicopter Crash: Tragic Accident Kills Executive, Family Over Hudson River
A devastating Siemens helicopter crash occurred over the Hudson River on Thursday, killing all six people on board, including a Siemens executive, his wife, their three children, and the pilot. The crash happened during a sightseeing flight over Manhattan and has left the global community in shock.
The victims were visiting from Spain and had boarded the helicopter for a scenic tour of New York City, which ended tragically just 16 minutes after takeoff.
What We Know About the Siemens Helicopter Crash
The helicopter took off at 2:59 p.m. from Manhattan’s downtown heliport. It followed a standard sightseeing route, circling the Statue of Liberty and heading north along the Hudson River. It reached the George Washington Bridge by 3:08 p.m., and soon after, it turned south and lost control near Hoboken, New Jersey.
By 3:17 p.m., witnesses had reported the Siemens helicopter crash to 911, describing the aircraft spiraling out of control and flipping before hitting the water upside down.
Eyewitnesses saw parts of the rotor blades separating midair — a detail that has become key in the early stages of the investigation.
Victims Included Siemens Executive and Family
The passengers included:
-
Agustín Escobar, 49, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility
-
Mercè Camprubí Montal, his wife and a global commercialization manager at Siemens Energy
-
Their three children (names undisclosed)
-
The pilot (identity yet to be confirmed)
Siemens issued a heartfelt statement expressing condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustin Escobar and his family lost their lives.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also called the crash an “unimaginable tragedy.“
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
Emergency teams from NYPD and FDNY responded swiftly. Four people were declared dead at the scene. The remaining two — both children — were transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where they later succumbed to injuries.
The helicopter’s fuselage was recovered from the water by Thursday evening. Dive teams continued their operations into Friday.
Operator’s Safety History Raises Concerns
The company operating the helicopter has previously faced two serious incidents, including:
-
A 2015 emergency landing in New Jersey due to suspected corrosion.
-
A 2013 emergency water landing near Manhattan after an engine failure.
CEO Michael Roth of the helicopter charter company said, “We are devastated. I’m a father, a grandfather — my wife hasn’t stopped crying since this afternoon.”
The NTSB is currently investigating the Siemens helicopter crash and has restricted any further release of maintenance records or internal communications.
Investigation Ongoing Into Siemens Helicopter Crash
Although the exact cause of the Siemens helicopter crash remains unknown, early reports point to possible mechanical failure. Witnesses noted the helicopter appeared to lose parts midair before its descent. The pilot had radioed in about needing fuel but never made it to the destination.
Authorities continue to investigate, and updates are expected in the coming days.