A sightseeing trip ended in tragedy on Thursday when a Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, killing all five Spanish tourists on board.
The victims included a Spanish tourist family of five, among them three children, and the pilot.
Authorities reported that the helicopter, operated for a sightseeing tour, took off around 3 PM from the downtown Skyport heliport.
It flew south, then up the Manhattan shoreline to the George Washington Bridge, before turning back toward downtown Manhattan.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the aircraft lost control mid-flight, spiraled through the air, and crashed near a pier in Hoboken.
Social media videos surfaced shortly after the incident, showing the chopper’s final moments as it tumbled and broke apart in midair.
Footage shows fragments of the aircraft spinning as it plunged into the river, painting a chilling picture of the crash.
Rescue teams responded swiftly. NYPD divers pulled four victims from the wreckage, while FDNY divers recovered two more, Commissioner Tisch confirmed. First responders administered lifesaving aid at the scene and nearby pier.
“Four people died on the scene,” Tisch stated. “Two others were transported to local hospitals, where they later succumbed to their injuries.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) raised red flags about the Bell 206 helicopter series, citing that in the last 25 years, these models have been involved in 82 fatal crashes across the US.
The Bell 206, along with its extended model Bell 206L, has faced scrutiny for past accidents, prompting questions about its continued use in commercial and recreational flights.
Former President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, writing, “Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Looks like six people—the pilot, two adults, and three children—are no longer with us. The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and his talented staff are on it. Announcements as to exactly what took place and how will be made shortly.”
Federal and local agencies, including the NTSB and FAA, have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Authorities are examining weather conditions, mechanical failures, and operator procedures to understand what led to the tragic loss.
Officials say further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
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