A devastating helicopter crash occurred on Thursday, April 10, at approximately 3:17 p.m. when the aircraft broke apart midair and plunged into the Hudson River. Witnesses reported hearing loud, gunshot-like noises before parts of the helicopter fell from the sky.

The family of five, including three children, were tourists from Spain: Agustín Escobar, CEO at Siemens Mobility, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, along with the 36-year-old pilot, were all killed. The helicopter had been circling near the Statue of Liberty before the crash, and radar data revealed it had been airborne for about 18 minutes before spiraling out of control.

Michael Roth, the owner of New York Helicopter Tours, said the pilot had called in for fuel before the crash. Despite efforts to locate him, it was another pilot who discovered the helicopter had crashed into the river.

Authorities confirmed all bodies were recovered, but major parts of the aircraft remain missing. Emergency operations will continue with further dive operations by the NYPD and NJSP.

President Trump expressed his condolences, confirming that the investigation is ongoing.