Example of the Liberty Tours helicopter that collided with a small airplane over the Hudson River |
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Two Italian tourists narrowly missed boarding the Liberty Tours helicopter which crashed Saturday.Paola Casali, 42, was visiting from Rome with her 13-year-old son, Lorenzo Bossola. She told reporters that she booked the helicopter tour because she wanted her son to appreciate the grandeur of New York City. However, her son protested against taking part in the tour.
Casali said that her son's hesitance was the only reason they didn't board the ill-fated flight. Her son's protests delayed their arrival to the helicopter tour, causing them to arrive minutes after the aircraft took off.
"They (Liberty Tours) told me to come between midday and one o'clock on Saturday. When we arrived and I think the crash just happened," said Casali.
Casali said family members of some of the perished were still at the heliport. They were reportedly told that something had happened to the flight, and were divulged little else before they were shepherded behind closed doors.
Upon the accident, many tourists were turned away by Liberty Tours and advised to reschedule for Sunday.
"I feel so confused, but I feel that we are so lucky," Casali told The New York Times. "Today begins a new life for me."
