Rescue Teams Work to Recover Victims
Authorities have confirmed that no one survived the mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington. Fire Chief John Donnelly reported that rescue workers have recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River. A total of 67 people were on board the two aircraft. Crews continue searching to locate the remaining victims.
The crash happened Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). A commercial plane carrying 64 people struck a U.S. military helicopter transporting three soldiers while descending for landing. Both aircraft plunged into the river, and despite an overnight search with divers and rescue boats, no survivors emerged.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the helicopter had been on a scheduled training mission. However, investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom explained that officials are working to understand why the military aircraft entered the passenger plane’s flight path.
The tragedy claimed the lives of around 15 U.S. figure skaters returning from a training camp in Wichita. Among the victims were Russian figure skating world champions of 1994, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Russia expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those lost.
Harsh Conditions Complicate Recovery Efforts
Authorities are investigating every detail of the crash to uncover what went wrong. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the passenger jet as a Bombardier CRJ700 with 60 passengers and four crew members. The military aircraft was a Sikorsky H-60, a model similar to the Black Hawk.
The FBI ruled out terrorism or foul play, but many questions remain unanswered. A webcam at the Kennedy Center recorded an explosion in the sky at 9:47 PM. Moments later, a burning aircraft sank into the river.
More than 300 emergency responders face extreme conditions as they work tirelessly to recover victims. Darkness, strong winds, and freezing water continue to slow progress. Fire department divers struggle with poor visibility, while helicopters use searchlights to scan the area. The Coast Guard has also deployed teams to assist in the operation. Experts believe the recovery efforts will take several days. A diving team successfully retrieved one of the aircraft’s black boxes, which may provide crucial insights.
At the airport, anxious relatives wait desperately for updates. Many express frustration over the lack of official communication. One man shared that his wife had sent him a message just before her expected landing. His response never reached her.
Reactions and Impact on Air Travel
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to this news with disbelief, questioning how the crash could have happened. On Truth Social, he criticized the circumstances, asking, “The aircraft was on a stable landing approach. Why didn’t the helicopter adjust its altitude or change course?”
The Pentagon has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promised that all available resources would support the rescue and recovery efforts.
Ronald Reagan Airport remains closed until Friday morning. The shutdown has caused significant flight delays, and passengers must prepare for ongoing disruptions.
