'Foreseeable tragedy': NY State lawmakers slam mayor's support of helicopter tours
New York State lawmakers are slamming Mayor Eric Adams and those who continue support helicopter tourism, in the wake of a tragic crash that killed a family of five plus the pilot.
Harrowing video showed the helicopter falling out of the sky and smashing into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon. The victims were later identified as a family from Spain who were taking the ride to celebrate a family member's birthday.
Authorities said Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, 49, his wife Merce Comprubi Montal, and their three young children, ages 4, 5 and 11 were killed. The name of the pilot has not yet been released.
The tragedy revived the debate over the safety of helicopter tourism over such a dense city, which Adams continues to support.
In an interview on FOX5 on Friday morning, "Adams said he did not support banning such helicopter travel," according to Gothamist.
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“We must make sure it’s safe, it’s done correctly and all proper maintenance is in place,” Adams said. “We should let the investigation go its course.”
But some New York state lawmakers are denouncing Adams' position.
In a statement, state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the crash “a foreseeable tragedy” and “grim reminder of our worst fears about the dangers of tourist helicopter flights."
He added, “Helicopters should be reserved for emergency response, essential news coverage and public safety operations — not sightseeing or luxury travel," and said he would continue to push for a ban on helicopter tourism over Manhattan.
Gothamist also quoted City Councilmember Chris Marte, who repeated a call for federal regulation.
“While now is a moment for grief, it is also a moment for serious reflection and urgent policy change,” Marte said.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
On CNN Friday morning, former NTSB Managing Director Peter Goelz described the crash as "clearly a catastrophic failure and very unusual."