A typical sightseeing tour ended in a disastrous fashion late Friday afternoon when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River, killing all six people on board — three adults and three minors, including a family from Spain on vacation.
The plane, which left Wall Street Heliport at 2:59 p.m., took a popular tour route flying by an orbit of the Statue of Liberty after traveling northward along Manhattan’s west side. As it turned to head back south near George Washington Bridge the helicopter then reportedly lost control and crashed into water about 10 minutes after 3 p.m.
Eyewitnesses told of a huge impact which caused waves of people to run towards the waterfront. “It didn’t sound like a boom, boom, boom explosion, boom,” security guard Gabby Jackson said. “It just smacked real hard, real loud.” 
All six from the wreckage were removed from the water by several divers. Four were declared dead at the scene, two died later at the hospital, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Weather conditions were mutually tranquil at that juncture, a gentle breeze which had gusts of 21 mph being the primary feature of the day. The reason for the wreck is being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The fatalities were confirmed by Mayor Eric Adams during a press briefing, referring to it as ‘an unimaginable loss.’ Former President Donald Trump also replied on Truth Social where he called footage “horrendous” and sent condolences.
The names of the victims have not been released at this time due to notifications with family. Police continue to try and determine the cause of the accident.
