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What began as a joyful holiday adventure for a Spanish family turned into a devastating tragedy Thursday afternoon, April 10, after their helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of all six occupants, including three young children.
The helicopter, a Bell 206 model, had taken off for what was supposed to be a picturesque aerial tour of New York. However, just minutes after crossing the George Washington Bridge and veering toward the New Jersey shoreline, it spiraled out of control and plummeted into the river.
According to officials, the passengers included five Spanish nationals; three of them children, and an American pilot. The names of the victims were not immediately disclosed.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the loss as “deeply painful,” especially given the presence of young lives on board. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who were onboard,” he said.
The crash occurred around 3:17 p.m. local time, in the vicinity of Manhattan’s West Side, not far from the West Village, a neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and proximity to the NYU campus. Witnesses described a loud whirring noise, followed by a sudden silence and then a splash that sent up plumes of river water.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to capture the aircraft tumbling upside down before hitting the water. Emergency response teams, including marine units and scuba divers, reached the scene within minutes, but hopes for survivors quickly faded.
“We had rescue swimmers in the water almost immediately,” said Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. “But despite our fastest response, we were unable to revive any of the victims.” Four people were declared dead at the site, while the remaining two were pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after being pulled from the river.
The crash site quickly became a hub of activity, with over a dozen rescue boats and helicopters hovering above as first responders combed the water and riverbank for evidence and wreckage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the downed aircraft was a Bell 206, a popular model in the sightseeing industry due to its agility and panoramic views. The FAA added that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would lead the crash investigation, with a focus on mechanical failure, pilot decisions, and possible environmental factors.
This tragedy is a grim addition to a series of fatal helicopter incidents in New York’s airspace. In 2018, five tourists drowned in the East River after their chopper went down, and in 2009, a sightseeing helicopter collided mid-air with a private plane over the Hudson, leaving nine people dead.
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