Synopsis
A tragic helicopter crash in New Jersey claimed the lives of six people, including a family of five Spanish tourists, three of whom were children. The Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the Hudson River during a sightseeing tour, prompting immediate rescue efforts and an ongoing investigation into the incident.Key Takeaways
- Six fatalities including a family of five Spanish tourists.
- Helicopter crashed into the Hudson River.
- Immediate rescue efforts were made by NYPD and FDNY divers.
- Investigation initiated by federal and local authorities.
- Concerns raised about the Bell 206 helicopter model.
New Jersey, April 11 (NationPress) In a heartbreaking incident, six individuals, including a family of five Spanish tourists, which included three children, along with a pilot, tragically lost their lives after their sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River close to Jersey City, New Jersey, on Thursday (local time).
The fatal incident transpired when the Bell 206 helicopter, carrying the tourists for a sightseeing excursion, spiraled out of control and plummeted into the river.
Reports indicate that the helicopter spun wildly before crashing into the water, with footage circulating on social media showing the terrifying last moments as pieces of the aircraft whirled and fell.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch verified the timeline of events, stating, 'The helicopter took off around 3 pm from downtown Skyport and initially flew south before navigating up the Manhattan waterfront towards the George Washington Bridge.
She further mentioned that it then reversed direction towards the downtown Manhattan heliport before losing control and crashing into the Hudson near a Hoboken pier.
Rescue operations commenced immediately following the crash.
Tisch remarked, 'NYPD divers retrieved four individuals from the crash site, and FDNY divers located two more. Immediate lifesaving efforts were executed on the vessels present at the scene, as well as at the nearby pier.'
Sadly, she reported, 'Four victims were declared dead at the scene, and two additional individuals were transported to local hospitals, where, regrettably, both succumbed to their injuries.'
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has raised alarms regarding the Bell 206 model, noting that over the past quarter-century, helicopters from the Bell 206 series, including the Bell 206L, have been involved in 82 fatal incidents across the United States.
In response to the calamity, US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences via Truth Social, stating, 'Terrible helicopter crash in the Hudson River. It appears that six people, including the pilot, two adults, and three children, have tragically passed away. The footage of the accident is horrifying. God bless the families and friends of the victims. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and his skilled team are addressing the matter. Further details on what occurred will be announced soon.'
This crash has triggered an investigation by federal and local entities as officials strive to determine the precise cause behind the tragic accident.
