Washington DC Plane Crash: 30 Bodies Recovered From River, Russian Skating Couple Among Victims - 10 Things To Know
Date
1/30/2025 8:19:58 AM
(MENAFN- Live Mint) Washington DC Plane Crash: Multiple bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River in Washington DC after the collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter . The midair collision occurred as the passenger jet was approaching to land at Reagan. radio communications between the air traffic control tower and the Black Hawk showed the helicopter crew knew the plane was in the vicinity.
Passengers on the jet included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp held after the national US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. A statement by US Figure Skating confirmed that“several members of the skating community” were on the flight.
Washington DC Plane Crash: Over 30 bodies recovered
According to details shared by an NBC affiliate, more than 30 bodies have been recovered from the freezing-cold Potomac River after the plane crash. American Airlines has confirmed that there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board its jet. Meanwhile, US officials said that the helicopter had been on a training flight with three soldiers.
Hundreds of rescuers search for survivors
Around 300 responders are currently searching the frigid waters of the Potomac River for possible survivors. Visuals shared online showed boats around a partly submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage. Meanwhile, helicopters flew overhead with powerful searchlights scanning the murky waters, and emergency vehicles lit up the banks of the Potomac in a long line of blinking red lights.
'Freezing cold, complex operation'
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, that the Potomac River was at a temperature of 2.2°C on Wednesday. The National Weather Service also reported that wind gusts of up to 25 mph were possible in the area throughout the evening.
“It's a highly complex operation. The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders,” said DC Fire Chief John Donnelly.
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