Spanish tourist family dies in helicopter crash

New Jersey

Six people, including a family of five from Spain and their pilot, died on Thursday when their sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City. The family included three children.

The Bell 206 helicopter lost control mid-flight and spiraled into the river. Eyewitnesses and videos showed the helicopter tumbling before impact. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the chopper had taken off at 3 p.m. and was flying near Manhattan’s shoreline when it turned back and crashed.

Emergency teams acted quickly. NYPD divers rescued four people, while FDNY divers recovered two more. Despite efforts to save them, four victims died at the scene, and the remaining two passed away at nearby hospitals.

The crash has sparked safety concerns. The Bell 206 helicopter model has a history of accidents, with 82 fatal crashes in the past 25 years across the U.S.

President Donald Trump expressed sorrow on social media, calling the footage heartbreaking. He said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is investigating the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies are now working to determine the exact cause. The tragedy has deeply shaken both the U.S. and Spain, as families mourn the sudden loss of innocent lives during what was supposed to be a joyful trip.