A tragic collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport has claimed the lives of 67 people. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, collided with a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, according to reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Bombardier CRJ700, a regional jet, was approaching Reagan National Airport after flying from Wichita, Kansas. It was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The military helicopter, which had three personnel on board, was also involved in the accident.
The FAA confirmed that the crash took place as the two aircrafts were mid-air near the airport.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly addressed the media shortly after the incident, saying, “We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.” He added, “At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors.”
By Thursday, authorities had recovered 28 bodies, including one from the helicopter, and officials have expressed concerns about finding any more survivors.
In the wake of the deadly crash, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria expressed his condolences to the people of the United States and the families of the victims.
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In a post on his verified X handle, President Tinubu wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Washington, D.C. On behalf of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all affected by this profound loss.”
He further acknowledged the efforts of first responders, saying, “I commend the courageous efforts of first responders and emergency teams for their selfless work in harsh conditions.”
He also expressed solidarity with the United States, stating, “Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States Government and its people, united in grief and hopeful for a new day.”
Emergency teams, including firefighters and rescue workers, have been working tirelessly at the site of the collision to recover bodies and assess the extent of the damage. The tragic incident has drawn significant attention, with people across the world offering condolences to those affected.
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, authorities are expected to release further updates in the coming days. The FAA and other agencies will work together to determine what led to the mid-air collision.
This incident marks one of the most tragic aviation accidents in recent memory, and the families of the victims, as well as the communities affected, are left to mourn the devastating loss.