India, April 12 -- The Spanish family that died in a helicopter crash in New York was celebrating a birthday when the accident occurred, a US official said on Saturday.

Senior Siemens executive Agustin Escobar died on Thursday after the sightseeing helicopter in which they were travelling plunged into the Hudson River.

Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop confirmed on his X handle that the family was celebrating the 40th birthday of Agustin Escobar's wife.

Fulop said, "A little context + I'm sharing this bc life moves quick + we don't always think about the fact it is unpredictable + extremely fragile. On the helicopter crash."

"The Husband was here for a business trip + the family flew out to extend the trip a couple days in NYC. They were...