WASHINGTON, DC – In a tragic incident near Reagan National Airport, a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair, leading to both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. As of Thursday morning, 28 bodies have been recovered, with no survivors reported from the accident, according to officials.
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed the recovery of 27 individuals from the plane and one from the helicopter. Efforts are underway to identify and reunite the deceased with their loved ones.
The American Airlines passenger jet, inbound from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, the military helicopter had three Army personnel on board.
The collision occurred just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday when the regional jet struck the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the DCA runway. The American Airlines flight was descending in a standard flight pattern before the crash.
First responders braved challenging conditions during the search and rescue operation, encountering frigid temperatures, heavy winds, and icy waters. The wreckage was located in three different sections in waist-deep water.
Among the victims were figure skating athletes and their coaches who were returning from a National Development Camp in Wichita. The U.S. Figure Skating team expressed devastation over the tragedy and extended their thoughts to the families affected.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, with over 300 emergency responders from various agencies joining in to support the operation. President Donald Trump addressed the nation following the incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are being led by the FAA and NTSB. Officials are working diligently to analyze the circumstances surrounding the collision to provide answers to the families and ensure the safety of air travel. Families of the victims have been urged to contact American Airlines for support and information.