Helicopter crash on Hudson River claims six lives, including children
A tragic event occurred in the United States as a helicopter with six people on board crashed into the Hudson River, resulting in the loss of all lives, including three children. "It's devastation. I'm a father and a grandfather and to have children on there, I'm devastated. I'm absolutely devastated," said the owner of the helicopter company.
The accident occurred on the Hudson River in New York on Thursday, April 10. The Bell 206 helicopter crashed into the water near the New Jersey coastline. Six people were on board: two adults, the pilot, and three children. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that there were no survivors.
Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board and all six who were on board of the helicopter, said Adams.
NBC News reported that four victims died at the scene, while the remaining two were transported to a hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
Helicopter tragedy in the USA: owner speaks out
Michael Roth, CEO of New York Helicopter Tours, expressed his sorrow over the incident on the Hudson River.
I’m a father and a grandfather and to have children on there, I’m devastated. I’m absolutely devastated. The only thing I know by watching a video of the helicopter falling down, that the main rotor blades weren’t on the helicopter, said Roth, as quoted by the New York Post.
He added that he had never witnessed such a tragedy in his 30 years in the industry.
The only thing I could guess – I got no clue – is that it either had a bird strike or the main rotor blades failed. I have no clue. I don't know, Roth said regarding the possible causes of the tragedy.
Details about the helicopter crash into the Hudson River
New York firefighters reported that the Bell 206 helicopter broke in half and fell into the water near Pier 40 at the intersection of West Houston Street and West Street at around 3:15 PM Eastern Time.
The helicopter was manufactured in 2004 and had its airworthiness certificate renewed in 2016, valid until 2029. The pilot followed a popular tourist route, flying over Governor's Island, past the Statue of Liberty, and toward the Hudson River up Manhattan, before returning after the George Washington Bridge. The tragedy occurred shortly thereafter. The exact causes of the crash are yet to be determined.
