New York City helicopter crash kills six, including Siemens Spain president's family

A tragic helicopter crash in New York City's Hudson River on Thursday resulted in the deaths of all six people aboard, including Agustín Escobar, the president of Siemens Spain, his wife Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three young children. The sightseeing helicopter reportedly disintegrated mid-flight before plunging into the water near Pier 40, with witnesses describing the aircraft 'splitting in half' and making a sound like a 'sonic boom.' This incident has raised concerns about helicopter safety, as it adds to a grim history of helicopter crashes in NYC, which have claimed at least 32 lives since 1977. The helicopter was operated by New York Helicopter, with CEO Michael Roth expressing devastation over the incident, noting that the main rotor blades were missing from the wreckage. The crash occurred shortly after the family arrived in New York from Barcelona, and rescue operations have since transitioned to recovery efforts. As authorities investigate the cause, the Spanish Consulate is coordinating with local officials regarding the victims.