Agustín Escobar, Siemens Mobility rail infrastructure CEO, dies in NYC river helicopter crash
Agustín Escobar, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, has tragically died in a helicopter crash in New York City. Escobar was visiting the city with his family when the sightseeing helicopter they were aboard plunged into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon. All six people on board, including Escobar, his wife, their three children, and the pilot, did not survive.
The helicopter, operated by New York Helicopter, went down near Jersey City shortly after 3:15 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported hearing a loud mechanical sound before the aircraft nose-dived into the river. Emergency crews responded quickly, but none of the passengers survived. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
Escobar, originally from Spain, had been leading Siemens Mobility’s global Rail Infrastructure division since 2023, following more than 27 years with the company. He previously served as president of Siemens Mobility Spain and was widely respected for his strategic leadership across both national and international operations.
During his time as CEO, Siemens Mobility strengthened its global presence with major infrastructure developments. In 2025 alone, that included a €2.8 billion signalling contract with Deutsche Bahn, a new £100 million facility in the UK, and a long-term metro maintenance agreement in Malaysia.
Industry colleagues, President Trump offer condolences
Industry colleagues and stakeholders have expressed shock and sadness at the news. Siemens released a brief statement Friday morning: “We are devastated by the loss of our colleague and friend, Agustín Escobar, and his family. Agustín was a visionary leader and a deeply respected figure within the rail community. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.”
US President Donald Trump also offered condolences to the families and friends of the “terrible helicopter crash” in a message on Truth Social. He said that the transport secretary, Sean Duffy, and his staff were investigating and that “announcements as to exactly what took place, and how, will be made shortly.”
Mourning an industry veteran
The accident has raised new concerns over the safety practices of the helicopter tour operator involved. New York Helicopter, the company that leased the aircraft, has been linked to prior incidents and has faced scrutiny over mechanical failures in past operations.
Escobar’s death leaves a notable gap in Siemens Mobility’s leadership, particularly at a time when the European rail sector is undergoing rapid transformation. As the head of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, Escobar played a key strategic role in guiding the company’s global rail offering, building on years of leadership in the Spanish rail market.
As investigations into the crash continue, the rail sector mourns the loss of an industry veteran.
This article was originally published by our sister publication RailTech.com.
