Officials Confirm No Survivors Expected After Plane And Helicopter Crash Near D.C.
on Jan 30, 2025
A Rescue Mission Has Been Underway Overnight After An American Airlines Plane And An Army Helicopter Collided Over The Potomac River On Wednesday Night, January 29.
The collision occurred as an American Airlines jet was approaching its landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The plane was a nonstop flight from Wichita, Kansas, with 64 passengers on board.
Reports confirmed that there were three individuals on board the military helicopter.
After the impact, both the plane and helicopter landed in the Potomac River. This prompted a massive response from over 300 emergency first responders.
The Hill reports that approximately 30 bodies have been recovered so far.
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Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly stated in a press conference early Thursday morning that officials were preparing to transition from a rescue mission to a recovery effort since there are no expected survivors from the collision.
What We Know About The Passengers Involved
As of now, the identities of the passengers have not been released.
However, it has been confirmed that several people on the American Airlines jet included figure skaters, families, and coaches returning from the national championship. The U.S. Figure Skating Organization confirmed the news in a statement:
“U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,” the organization said in a statement.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
This is a developing story. The reasons behind the fatal crash involving the American Airlines plane and Army helicopter have not yet been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone who has a loved one involved in this devastating incident.
