Here’s the rewritten content in English:
Join Fox News for access to this content
Plus, enjoy special access to select articles and other premium content with your account—free of charge. By entering your email and clicking continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
Having trouble? Click here.
A fatal helicopter crash in the Hudson River on Thursday marked the latest tragedy in a series of accidents involving helicopters in and around New York City. Excited tourists often turn to these popular aerial tours for a unique perspective of the Big Apple.
Elaina Latona was one of the many sightseers eager to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan. She was invited by a friend on a last-minute helicopter ride on March 28, less than two weeks before the fatal crash on April 10.
"I was a little nervous about it because of all the plane accidents that have been happening," Latona told Fox News Digital. "They gave us little tiny life jackets. And I even said, if anything were to happen, how would this save me?"
PILOT IN HUDSON RIVER HELICOPTER CRASH CALLED ABOUT NEEDING FUEL BEFORE FATAL ACCIDENT, CEO SAYS
Latona and her friend boarded the helicopter in Lower Manhattan and enjoyed a scenic flight over the city.
Two weeks later, Latona saw reports of a helicopter crashing into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, and realized it was the same company she had flown with—and even the same aircraft, identified by the tail number N216MH.
"I thought, ‘Wow, something could have gone wrong’," Latona said. "It’s really sad that it did."
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the sightseeing helicopter, chartered by New York Helicopter Tours, to plunge into the river, killing all six people onboard.
The victims included Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, a global manager at an energy technology company, and their three young children, according to The Associated Press.
The pilot, whose name has not been released, also died in the crash.
6 DEAD, INCLUDING 3 CHILDREN, AFTER HELICOPTER PLUMMETS IN HUDSON RIVER
The helicopter took off from a downtown Manhattan heliport at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday, carrying five passengers and the pilot. About 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot radioed to ground crews, alerting them that the helicopter needed to return urgently for fuel. However, the aircraft never made it back.
At around 3:17 p.m., authorities received 911 calls reporting a downed aircraft in the Hudson River. Eyewitnesses described seeing the helicopter’s rotor detach as it spun uncontrollably toward the water.
First responders from the NYPD and FDNY arrived at the scene within minutes and pulled the victims from the frigid water. Despite lifesaving efforts, four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and the other two died at local hospitals.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the family was on vacation from Spain. "We had over 65 million people visit our city last year, and just think about it—you’re on vacation, you’re with your family, you want to experience New York from the sky, and something like this happens. It’s heartbreaking," Adams said.
New York Helicopter Tours CEO Michael Roth told the New York Post that he had never seen anything like it 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," he said.
VIDEO SHOWS DC PLANE CRASH INVOLVING AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT, BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER
This is not the first helicopter crash in New York City. Since 2009, there have been six other incidents, including a 2018 crash that killed five passengers in the East River and a 2011 tragedy that claimed the lives of three family members.
In light of Thursday’s crash, lawmakers are calling for reforms in New York City’s airspace. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is reportedly pushing to restrict flights over Manhattan to law enforcement, media, and essential transport.
"We averted disaster possibly by just minutes," Hoylman-Sigal told ABC 7. "If a helicopter gets in trouble in a densely populated area like Manhattan, the disaster could be far worse."
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring the relocation of a helipad on West 30th Street in Manhattan, citing safety concerns.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital’s Jacqueline Mangini and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This version maintains the original structure and details while ensuring clarity and readability.
Stay updated with the latest news by visiting ZTC News and Z News Today. Explore comprehensive coverage and stay informed on trending stories and updates.