United States authorities are investigating a lethal helicopter crash in New York Metropolis that killed six individuals.
The sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday, killing a household of Spanish vacationers, together with three kids, and the pilot.
Here’s what we all know concerning the incident thus far.
When and the place did the helicopter crash?
The helicopter crashed at roughly 3:15pm EDT (19:15 GMT) on Thursday.
It went down within the river between Newport, Jersey Metropolis and the decrease Manhattan space in New York Metropolis.
The plane had taken off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59pm (18:59 GMT) and radar knowledge confirmed it flew north alongside the Manhattan skyline after which again south in the direction of the Statue of Liberty.
Video of the incident appeared to indicate the helicopter breaking up midair and plunging into the Hudson River. The river is a busy delivery channel and as deep as 60 metres (200 ft) at factors.
Witnesses reported seeing particles fall earlier than the crash, and components of the wreckage have been later seen protruding from the water.
What sort of helicopter was it?
The helicopter was a Bell 206L – a small, single-engine plane usually used for brief journeys and excursions. 1000’s have been manufactured through the years.
It was initially developed for the US Military earlier than being tailored for different makes use of akin to sightseeing, TV information stations, and police. The helicopter had a legitimate security certificates till 2029.
On the time of the crash, it was being utilized by New York Helicopters for sightseeing rides. Experiences from US media retailers say it had already flown 5 instances earlier that day.
Who was on board the helicopter?
All six individuals on board died within the crash.
The victims included a household of 5 from Barcelona, Spain, who have been visiting New York Metropolis. US media experiences named the household as Agustin Escobar, chief government officer of rail infrastructure at Siemens Mobility; his spouse, Merce Camprubi Montal; and their three kids, aged 4, 5, and 11. Escobar had labored at Siemens for greater than 27 years, whereas Montal labored as international commercialisation supervisor at Siemens Vitality, in accordance with their LinkedIn profiles.
The pilot, a 36-year-old US citizen employed by New York Helicopters, additionally died.
4 of the victims have been pronounced useless on the scene, and two died later within the hospital.
Why did it crash?
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) are investigating the helicopter’s precise variety of flights, upkeep information and operational historical past as they search to find out the reason for the crash.
Video shared on social media appeared to indicate that the helicopter broke aside whereas it was nonetheless within the air. One of many principal blades and the tail rotor – which helps preserve the helicopter steady – seem to have come off mid-flight.
What’s the most recent on the response?
Emergency response groups from New York and New Jersey rapidly mobilised following the crash.
Restoration groups retrieved a few of the wreckage utilizing a floating crane simply after 8pm on Thursday (00:00 GMT on Friday).
The NTSB has secured the particles for forensic evaluation, and additional particulars are anticipated in a preliminary report throughout the subsequent few weeks.
In the meantime, New York Helicopters has suspended operations pending the result of the investigation. No timeline has been offered for when companies may resume.
What has been the response?
New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences in a information briefing on Thursday. “Our hearts exit to the households of those that have been onboard,” he stated.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez referred to as it an “unimaginable tragedy” and prolonged sympathies to the households affected. Siemens additionally launched a press release mourning the lack of Escobar and his household.
“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash wherein Agustin Escobar and his household misplaced their lives. Our heartfelt condolences exit to all their family members,” Siemens stated in a press release.
Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Excursions, informed the New York Publish he was “devastated” by the incident and had “no clue” the way it occurred.
“That is horrific,” Roth stated. “However you gotta bear in mind one thing, these are machines they usually break.”
