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A sightseeing tour meant to showcase the majesty of Manhattan ended in unimaginable tragedy on Thursday when a helicopter carrying six people — including a family from Spain — plummeted into the Hudson River, killing all on board.
The crash, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m., sent shockwaves through the city and triggered a large-scale emergency response involving the NYPD, FDNY, New Jersey State Police, and federal aviation authorities.
Video of the incident — showing the aircraft falling from the sky and breaking apart upon impact — quickly spread across social media, capturing the attention of a stunned public.
The victims included three adults and three children, according to Mayor Eric Adams, who addressed the media in an emotional news conference hours after the crash. "There are no survivors," he confirmed, stating the devastating finality of the afternoon’s events.
The helicopter, a Bell 206, took off from the Wall Street Heliport at 2:59 p.m., following a typical scenic route often used for tourist flights: north along the Hudson River, circling around the Statue of Liberty, and proceeding past Manhattan's iconic skyline.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft reaching an altitude of just over 1,000 feet, far below the cloud ceiling reported by weather services. Visibility at the time was excellent — up to 10 miles — and although light rain had been reported earlier in the day, weather conditions during the flight were not considered dangerous. Winds were moderate, ranging from 9 to 12 mph with occasional gusts.
However, at approximately 3:10 p.m., just after the helicopter made a southward turn near the George Washington Bridge and began flying along the New Jersey shoreline, it suddenly lost control. Witnesses described seeing debris falling from the aircraft, including what appeared to be one of its rotor blades.
“I saw the chopper going south toward New Jersey when the blade flew off,” said witness Avi Rakesh. “Then it just straight up dropped. It was terrifying — it looked like it was feet from hitting the Holland Tunnel entrance.”
Moments later, the helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Pier 40, located near the intersection of West Side Highway and Houston Street. Witnesses said the impact created a massive splash and a sickening boom, followed by silence.
Among the first on the scene was Gabby Jackson, 23, a security guard working near the pier. She described hearing a loud thud that made her rush to the waterfront. “It didn’t sound like an explosion.
It sounded like something hitting something — hard,” she said. “People started running, and I followed. By the time I got there, only boats were in the water. The police hadn’t arrived yet.”
Minutes later, NYPD and FDNY marine units converged on the scene. Divers entered the murky waters, working quickly to locate and extract the passengers. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, four people were found deceased at the crash site, while two others were rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.
"The helicopter is now completely submerged," Tisch confirmed. "Our teams have recovered all six individuals who were on board. No other passengers are believed to have been involved."
While the victims’ identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, officials confirmed that several of the deceased were family members visiting from Spain. Their vacation to New York City — filled with sightseeing and family moments — turned to tragedy in an instant.
Mayor Adams expressed condolences on behalf of the city. “We mourn with the people of Spain. New York has always welcomed visitors from around the world. What happened today is unthinkable.”
The crash was witnessed by dozens of locals and tourists walking along the Hudson River’s popular pedestrian paths. Many described the scene as surreal — a peaceful day shattered by sudden violence in the sky.
Dominick Cognata, who had been walking the West Side Highway, described hearing a loud sound he’d never heard before. “It sounded like an engine dying, just choking. I turned my head and saw the helicopter splashing down. It was horrifying.”
Cognata, who said he witnessed the 9/11 attacks as a child and worked near Ground Zero, added, “This is another tragedy burned into my memory. You think you’ve seen it all in this city, but something like this just breaks your heart all over again.”
The crash is currently under investigation by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Officials say it's too early to determine the cause, but mechanical failure appears to be a likely factor given eyewitness accounts of parts falling from the aircraft midair.
The Bell 206 is a widely used light helicopter known for its reliability. However, investigators will examine flight records, maintenance logs, weather conditions, and eyewitness videos to piece together what went wrong.
As the wreckage remains submerged, specialized equipment will be used to retrieve and analyze it. The helicopter’s black box — if equipped — may provide critical data about what occurred in the final moments of the flight.
President Donald Trump, speaking on his platform Truth Social, called the crash "a terrible tragedy," adding, “The footage of the accident is horrendous. God bless the families and friends of the victims.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted a statement saying she was monitoring rescue and recovery efforts, writing, "I join all New Yorkers in praying for those we’ve lost and their families."
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he had been briefed on the situation and confirmed that Port Authority and New Jersey State Police were assisting in the response.
This latest incident has prompted renewed concerns over helicopter tourism in New York City, which has seen several high-profile crashes in recent years. While scenic tours remain popular among international tourists, critics have long called for stricter regulation and improved safety standards.
“This was supposed to be a joyful moment — a family visiting New York, seeing our skyline,” said one city council member. “But these skies are too crowded, and these flights too often end in tragedy.”
Calls are mounting for a review of licensing, flight paths, and emergency protocols for sightseeing helicopters operating out of Lower Manhattan.
As the city reels from the shock, tributes have begun to pour in from across the globe. Spanish media outlets have picked up the story, and officials at Spain’s embassy in Washington said they are working closely with U.S. authorities to support the families.
In New York, makeshift memorials have begun to appear near Pier 40. Bouquets of flowers, notes in Spanish, and candles line the fence near the waterfront.
“I didn’t know them,” one mourner said. “But I have children. I have a family. It could have been anyone.”
As the sun set over the Hudson, the grim reality of the day’s events settled over the city. What began as a routine Thursday afternoon ended with the loss of six lives, a family torn apart, and yet another tragedy in a city all too familiar with grief.
Investigations will continue, answers will be sought, and policy may change. But for now, New York mourns.
"We lost six people today," said Mayor Adams. "We will find out what happened. And we will remember them.
