Six Dead After Helicopter Carrying Spanish Tourists Crashes in Hudson River

Tragedy struck Thursday afternoon when a helicopter believed to be carrying a family of tourists from Spain crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board. According to ABC 7 NY, the crash occurred just before 3:30 p.m., near the Jersey City side of the river.

The aircraft was reportedly carrying a family of five — two adults and three children — along with the pilot. All six were confirmed dead following the crash, which left the helicopter submerged upside down in the water upon the arrival of rescue crews.

As ABC 7 NY reported, eyewitness video showed the helicopter breaking apart mid-air before crashing into the river. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Bell 206, which departed from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 2:59 p.m. before losing radar contact at 3:25 p.m.

One witness told Eyewitness News he heard a “loud snap” and then saw the helicopter fall sideways into the river. “I didn’t see anyone come out,” he said.

Another eyewitness, Sara Jean Raymond, who was training for a half marathon nearby, told ABC 7 NY she saw the aircraft plunge into the water. “I was in shock. I tried to call 911, I could not reach anyone. They were very fast though,” she said. “I don’t know what happened, if the people survived or anything, but oh my God, you don’t see that very often.”

In response to the crash, the U.S. Coast Guard halted vessel traffic and established a safety zone in the area. The NYPD also advised the public to expect emergency response activity and traffic delays near the West Side Highway and Spring Street.

According to ABC 7 NY, Thursday’s crash adds to a grim history of helicopter incidents in New York City — at least 32 people have died in such crashes since 1977. The most recent prior incident occurred in 2019, when a helicopter operating in restricted airspace struck the roof of a Manhattan skyscraper, killing the pilot.