A tragic incident unfolded when a Spanish family of five was killed in a helicopter crash in the Hudson River during what was meant to be a delightful sightseeing tour in New York City. Reports have now emerged that the pilot had communicated a fuel shortage shortly before the tragedy.

What started as a joyous family trip to one of the globe’s most renowned cities turned into a harrowing experience. Agustín Escobar, his spouse Merce Camprubi Montal, and their three children, aged 11, 5, and 4, traveled from Barcelona to New York City to celebrate a birthday. Just 18 minutes into their scenic helicopter adventure, misfortune struck.

The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, abruptly spiraled out of control and crashed into the Hudson River near Hoboken’s Pier A Park. Witnesses recounted the terrifying moments, with one bystander describing hearing a “sonic boom” and noticing the helicopter disintegrating in midair before it plunged into the water.

Pilot’s Distress Call: Fuel Issue Prior to Crash

In a new, distressing development, it has surfaced that the pilot alerted the company’s headquarters moments after takeoff about a critical issue—running low on fuel, necessitating an immediate return to the helipad.

Michael Roth, New York Helicopter’s owner, shared with The Telegraph that the pilot was attempting to navigate back when the unfortunate incident took place. “I have no explanation for how this unraveled… We are devastated,” he stated, adding that his wife was inconsolable upon learning about the crash. “As a father and grandfather, this hits home. We’re just shattered.”

Eyewitnesses Reflect on the Calamitous Crash

Eyewitnesses recounted their shock and sadness as they watched the tragedy unfold with their own eyes.

“It was like a sonic boom,” shared Max, someone present at the scene who spoke to ABC News. “I looked up and literally saw the helicopter splitting apart, rotor detaching… and then it just plummeted into the water.”

Another witness recalled observing dark debris in the sky as the helicopter spiraled downward before vanishing into the river. It submerged rapidly, leaving no trace of survivors.

Agustín Escobar was a dedicated employee of Siemens for over 27 years, serving as the global CEO of its rail infrastructure sector. Merce, his wife, also held a significant global management role within the company. Siemens released a heartfelt statement: “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Agustín Escobar and his family. Our deepest condolences go out to all their loved ones.”

The family had freshly arrived in the city, eager to celebrate their child’s birthday by creating lasting memories. Instead, their journey turned into a heart-rending tragedy that has moved people worldwide.

BREAKING: Agustin Escobar, President, and CEO of Siemens in Spain, along with his family tragically died when the helicopter fell into the Hudson River in NYC, as reported by the New York Post.

A Saddening Pattern: NYC Helicopter Accidents

The Bell 206 helicopter involved belonged to Louisiana-headquartered Meridian Helicopters but was operated by New York Helicopter, a service provider offering aerial tours of the city for nearly three decades.

Unfortunately, helicopter accidents are not uncommon in New York. Since 1977, at least 32 lives have been lost in helicopter crashes in the city, according to the Associated Press. A recent incident occurred in 2019 when a helicopter collided with a Manhattan skyscraper rooftop.

A Sobering Reminder of Life’s Fragility

This heart-wrenching accident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of life. A family, hoping to cherish their one-of-a-kind experience, tragically lost their lives in seconds. Inquiries will likely delve into whether the helicopter had adequate fuel, was well-maintained, and if any safety protocols were breached.

As we await further information, the world joins in mourning the loss of a cherished family whose last moments were, unfortunately, filled with fear instead of jubilation.