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Tragedy in New York: Helicopter Crash Claims Siemens Executive and Family
A sightseeing helicopter ride over New York City ended in heartbreak on Thursday after the aircraft crashed into the Hudson River, killing six people. Among the victims was Agustín Escobar, a top executive at Siemens, one of Europe's leading technology companies.
Escobar lost his life alongside his wife, Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, aged 4, 5, and 11. The pilot was also killed in the crash.
Escobar had been the CEO of Siemens Spain since 2022 and was the Global Head of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. Based in Barcelona, he had a strong background in managing international operations across countries like the US, Germany, South America, and Spain. The family had reportedly arrived in New York just hours before boarding the helicopter operated by New York Helicopter Tours.
A Devastating Loss for Siemens
Siemens, a German multinational with global operations in energy, industry, healthcare, and transportation, confirmed Escobar’s passing in a company statement. His leadership in Siemens Mobility played a key role in advancing rail infrastructure projects across multiple countries.
Miguel Ángel López, former Siemens Spain chief, had earlier praised Escobar as the ideal person to lead the company’s Spanish operations. “In recent years, his efforts were instrumental to Siemens’ progress in the mobility and transport sectors,” López had said.
What Happened?
The helicopter, a Bell 206 model, took off from the Wall Street Heliport shortly after 3 PM. It flew north and reached near the George Washington Bridge when disaster struck. Eyewitnesses told that they saw part of the rotor snap off mid-flight. The aircraft then spiraled and plunged into the Hudson River near Pier 40.
Photos captured just before takeoff showed the family smiling, unaware of the tragedy ahead. When rescue crews arrived, the chopper was found upside-down and partially submerged in icy waters.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Leaders Respond
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, calling the incident “a heartbreaking loss.” Former US President Donald Trump also shared sympathies for the victims and their families.
