Tragic Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Claims Six Lives

The NYPD confirmed that a helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River during a sightseeing tour, killing all six individuals, including a Spanish family and a pilot. Investigators are looking into the causes of the crash, which marks the deadliest helicopter incident in New York City since 2018.

In a tragic incident, a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, and all six people onboard were pronounced dead. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported the accident, which occurred during a sightseeing flight operated by New York Helicopters.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared details, indicating that the helicopter took off from Downtown Skyport in Manhattan at 14:59 local time. The flight, tracked via Flightradar24, lasted approximately 15 minutes before it began to spiral towards the water. Tragically, the helicopter flipped upside down and struck the river near a pier in Hoboken, NJ, at around 15:15 local time.

Witness Bruce Wall described the harrowing moment: “It started falling apart in mid-air... the tail came off and then just flipped over” as it descended. Onboard were a pilot and five passengers—a family of two adults and three children—reportedly from Spain. Rescue efforts included dive teams, but despite attempts at CPR, all six were declared dead; four at the scene and two in local hospitals.

Authorities have yet to disclose the names of the victims as the investigation into the crash continues. Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter, identified as a Bell 206, "lost control" moments before hitting the water. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. This incident marks the deadliest helicopter crash in New York City in recent years, a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in aviation.