Rescue Teams Struggle to Recover Victims
Authorities have confirmed that no one survived the devastating collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter over Washington. Fire Chief John Donnelly reported that emergency crews have recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River. A total of 67 people were aboard the two aircraft. Rescue teams continue working to locate the remaining victims.
The crash happened Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Airport. A commercial flight carrying 64 people struck a U.S. military helicopter transporting three soldiers while descending for landing. Both aircraft crashed into the river. Despite overnight rescue operations involving divers and boats, no one was found alive.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the helicopter was on a scheduled training flight. However, investigators are still trying to determine what led to the collision. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom explained that authorities are analyzing why the military aircraft entered the passenger jet’s flight path.
Among the victims were approximately 15 figure skaters from the U.S. national team. They were returning from a training camp in Wichita. Russian figure skating world champions from 1994, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also on board. Russia extended its condolences to the grieving families.
Harsh Conditions Hamper Recovery Efforts
Investigators are working to uncover the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the passenger plane was a Bombardier CRJ700 with 60 passengers and four crew members. The military helicopter was a Sikorsky H-60, a model similar to the Black Hawk.
The FBI ruled out terrorism or criminal activity, but many unanswered questions remain. A webcam at the Kennedy Center recorded a mid-air explosion at 9:47 PM. Moments later, a burning aircraft plunged into the river.
More than 300 emergency responders face extreme challenges in their search efforts. Darkness, strong winds, and freezing water significantly slow the recovery process. Fire department divers struggle with poor visibility, while helicopters scan the area with searchlights. The Coast Guard has joined the operation, providing additional support. Experts estimate that it may take several days to complete the recovery. A diving team successfully retrieved one of the aircraft’s black boxes, which could help investigators understand what went wrong.
At the airport, distressed relatives anxiously wait for updates. Many express frustration over the lack of official information. One man shared that his wife had messaged him just before her expected landing, but his reply was never received.
Reactions and Flight Disruptions
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted with shock and questioned why the crash was not prevented. On Truth Social, he criticized the circumstances, writing, “The aircraft was on a clear landing path. Why didn’t the helicopter change altitude or move away?”
The Pentagon has launched an in-depth investigation to determine the factors that led to the disaster. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured that all available resources would be used to assist in rescue and recovery operations.
Ronald Reagan Airport remains closed until Friday morning. The suspension of flights has caused major disruptions, and travelers should prepare for significant delays.