Heartbreaking new details and witness accounts are emerging from the tragic helicopter crash in New York, where a sightseeing tour turned into a nightmare as the chopper plunged into the Hudson River, claiming the lives of an entire family.
“It Split in Two”: Family of Five Killed in NYC Helicopter Crash After Fuel Warning
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded over New York City on Thursday, as a sightseeing helicopter carrying a family of five from Barcelona crashed into the Hudson River — just 18 minutes after takeoff.
What was meant to be a dream tour over Manhattan quickly turned into a nightmare. Moments after liftoff, the pilot radioed in a chilling warning: the aircraft was already running low on fuel. Despite plans to turn back, the chopper never made it home.
The crash occurred just feet from Pier A Park in Hoboken, sending shockwaves through the city. Video footage from the scene shows the helicopter flipped upside down in the water near Manhattan’s West Side Highway — a devastating image etched into the memories of those nearby.
Michael Roth, 71, owner of New York Helicopter — the tour company behind the ill-fated flight — confirmed to The Telegraph that the pilot, whose identity has not yet been released, had made contact with base, reporting the critical fuel shortage and an intention to return. Tragically, it was too late.
Witnesses described the horror in vivid, haunting detail. “It sounded like a sonic boom,” said one, recalling the moment the tail and rotor blades detached mid-air. Another likened the sound to thunder, watching in disbelief as “black particles” rained from the sky.
“I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” one shaken bystander whispered.
“It Just Split in Two”: Eyewitness Describes Horror as Birthday Flight Ends in Tragedy
Eyewitnesses continue to come forward with chilling accounts of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of a visiting Spanish family over the Hudson River.
Max, who spoke with ABC News, described the haunting moment he heard the disaster before he saw it.
“It sounded like a sonic boom, so I looked up — and literally, I saw the helicopter splitting in two,” he said.
“The rotor flew off into the sky, spinning so fast, and the whole thing just dropped straight into the water.”
Stunned, Max watched helplessly as the chopper sank beneath the river’s surface.
“Nothing came up afterward… it must have just sunk. And that was it.” Moments later, sirens began to wail as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
“I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” he added, visibly shaken.
A Celebration Turned Catastrophe
The victims have now been identified as Agustín Escobar, an executive at Siemens in Barcelona, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children — aged just 11, 5, and 4.
The family had only just arrived in New York and were taking in the sights from above to mark a special occasion: the birthday of one of their children.
What should have been a once-in-a-lifetime memory turned into a devastating nightmare.
According to El Diario, the trip was meant to celebrate and create joy. Instead, it ended in unimaginable loss — a tragic reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow.
Devastating Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Respected Siemens Executives and Their Young Children on Scenic NYC Tour
What was meant to be a joyful birthday celebration high above New York City ended in unspeakable tragedy on Thursday, when a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing a visiting family of five from Barcelona, Spain.
The victims have been identified as Agustín Escobar, 55, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, 53, and their three children, aged 11, 5, and just 4 years old. Escobar, a highly respected global CEO for rail infrastructure at Siemens, had worked with the company for over 27 years. Merce also held a senior global role at Siemens. The family had come to New York to celebrate one of their children’s birthdays, with the scenic helicopter tour — offering iconic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty — planned as a highlight of their trip.
But just 18 minutes into the flight, something went terribly wrong. The Bell 206 helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter and owned by Meridian Helicopters, reportedly began experiencing issues shortly after takeoff. The pilot radioed the base, saying the aircraft was low on fuel and returning to the helipad. Tragically, it never made it back.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment the helicopter spiraled out of control.
“It sounded like a sonic boom,” said Max, who spoke to ABC News.
“I looked up and saw the helicopter splitting in two. The rotor flew off and the whole thing just dropped straight into the river… nothing came back up.”
Emergency crews arrived minutes later, but there were no survivors.
Footage from the scene shows the aircraft flipped upside down in the water, just off Manhattan’s West Side Highway. Witnesses reported black debris raining from the sky, and a loud explosion-like noise as the tail appeared to shear off mid-air.
In a heartfelt statement, Siemens expressed their grief:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash in which Agustín Escobar and his family lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all their loved ones.”
Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter, was visibly shaken in comments made to The Telegraph:
“We’re devastated. My wife hasn’t stopped crying since this afternoon. I’m a father and a grandfather — I can’t imagine what they must’ve gone through.”
The helicopter crash adds to a grim history. According to the Associated Press, at least 32 people have died in helicopter crashes in New York since 1977. The most recent before this was in 2019, when a corporate helicopter slammed into the roof of a Manhattan skyscraper, killing the pilot.
This latest tragedy has left a city mourning and an international community reeling. It’s hard to even fathom the fear that family must have felt in those final moments. A bright, beautiful life — five of them — gone in an instant.
Our hearts are with all those affected by this unimaginable loss.