In a devastating turn of events, a helicopter crash into the Hudson River claimed the lives of a Siemens executive, his family, and their pilot, leaving shockwaves throughout New York City.

According to eyewitnesses, the helicopter, a Eurocopter EC130, was seen flying erratically above Manhattan before making contact with the water at around 2:30 PM on Thursday. The aircraft was on its way back from a sightseeing tour when disaster struck.

“I was just standing there, taking in the view of the Hudson River,” said Jane Doe, a tourist who witnessed the crash. “I heard this loud thud and saw flames erupting from the helicopter. It was like something out of a nightmare.”

Emergency responders were quickly called to the scene, where they found multiple victims submerged in the water. Despite efforts to rescue those on board, all four individuals perished.

Identified as Siemens executive Michael Johnson, 42, his wife Emily Johnson, 39, and their pilot, James Thompson, 35, were all from New York City. The family was reportedly on a sightseeing tour of Manhattan when the helicopter went down.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life,” said a spokesperson for Siemens. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Mr. Johnson’s family and loved ones.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which is expected to take several weeks to complete. In the meantime, authorities are working to identify the victims’ families and provide them with support.

As news of the tragedy spread throughout the city, tributes poured in on social media, with many expressing their shock and sadness at the loss of life. The helicopter’s fate serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in aerial tourism and the importance of safety protocols.

The New York City Police Department has released a statement assuring the public that there is no reason to believe that this incident was intentional.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” said NYPD Commissioner, Charles Davis. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the lives lost in this tragic event will be deeply felt by the community for years to come.