A devastating helicopter crash on April 10th, 2025, in Manhattan has claimed the lives of six people, including a prominent Spanish business executive and his entire family.
The sightseeing flight, meant to be a joyful experience for a visiting family from Barcelona, turned fatal when the aircraft plunged into the Hudson River near Pier 40.
According to reports, among the victims was Agustín Escobar, the former President and CEO of Siemens Spain. He was traveling with his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal—an executive in the global energy technology sector—and their three young children. The sixth person killed was the pilot of the helicopter.
Final Moments Captured in Photos
Heartbreaking images have since emerged, showing the family’s final moments before takeoff.
In one photo, Escobar, his wife, and their children pose cheerfully outside the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter, bundled up in warm clothes and embracing each other.
In another image taken moments later, the family is seen seated inside the aircraft, strapped in and smiling, with Escobar and his son flashing thumbs-up signs.
The photos, now shared widely in memorial, highlight the joy and anticipation the family felt before the flight—making the tragedy all the more poignant.
Crash Details and Witness Reports
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch confirmed during a news conference that two of the passengers were still alive when emergency divers reached them but later succumbed to their injuries. The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. near the border of Hoboken, New Jersey, and Manhattan.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as the aircraft appeared to “split in half” mid-air and made a loud “boom” before crashing into the river. When first responders arrived, the helicopter’s rotors were missing, and the wreckage was partially submerged.
Officials believe the children were of middle school age or younger. The family had just arrived in New York from Barcelona and were likely only hours into their vacation when the accident occurred.
Investigation Underway
Authorities, including aviation experts and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. The exact reason the helicopter failed remains unclear at this time, and officials are working to piece together flight data and eyewitness accounts.
The incident has sent shockwaves through both New York and Spain. Escobar was well known in the international business community for his leadership at Siemens and his contributions to the tech and energy sectors.
