Bodies Of The 67 D.C. Plane Crash Victims Have All Been Recovered
on Feb 05, 2025
67 People Lost Their Lives In A Tragic Aircraft Collision Over The Potomac River
After extensive search efforts, the bodies of all 67 of the victims killed in the Washington, D.C. plane crash have been recovered.
On Wednesday, January 29, an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided as the plane prepared to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Both aircraft fell into the Potomac River below.
The following day (January 30), officials confirmed they did not expect to find any survivors. American Airlines flight 5342 carried 60 passengers and 4 crew members. 3 soldiers were on the Black Hawk…bringing the total number of victims to 67.
Over the following days, friends, family members, and colleagues identified some of the victims. Among them were several members of the U.S. figure skating community.
A group of 7 friends traveling home from a duck hunting trip were also among the victims.
The Bodies Of All 67 D.C. Plane Crash Victims Recovered After Extensive Search
One week later, officials continue to investigate the cause of the collision. While they hunt for answers, a new report from ABC News states the bodies of all 67 plane crash victims have been recovered. 66 of the 67 victims have now been identified.
The Unified Command said crews will continue working to clear wreckage from the Potomac River. Crews recovered multiple parts of the plane already, including the right wing, center fuselage, part of the left wing and fuselage, and portions of the forward cabin and cockpit.
“Large lifts will continue through Tuesday evening, with unloading expected when environmental and tidal conditions allow on Wednesday,” the Unified Command said. “Operations will then shift to recovering wreckage from the Black Hawk helicopter.”
Stay tuned for any future developments on this story.
If you’d like to help the families of the D.C. plane crash victims, this article contains a list of fundraisers and meal trains to support them during this difficult time.
