A devastating mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington DC sent shockwaves through the nation’s capital on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of multiple lives.
According to eyewitnesses, the passenger jet, carrying 64 people, crashed into the icy waters of the Potomac River after colliding with a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers on a training flight. The impact occurred at approximately 9:00 pm (0200 GMT) as the plane was approaching Reagan National Airport.
“I saw a stream of sparks overhead, and then the plane banked sharply to the right,” said Ari Schulman, a witness who was driving home at the time of the incident. “It was lit up by a bright yellow light, and there was a trail of sparks underneath it.”
Emergency responders quickly launched a massive search and rescue operation, with divers braving the freezing waters to scour the wreckage of both aircraft. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly described the conditions as “extremely rough,” with emergency crews totaling around 300 people working tirelessly to recover the victims.
As of Thursday morning, at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, according to CBS News. NBC reported more than a dozen fatalities. The victims include several athletes, coaches, and officials from US Figure Skating, as well as a married Russian couple who won the 1994 world pairs title.
President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. “May God bless their souls,” he said. However, he also took to social media to critique air traffic control, stating that the situation “looks like it should have been prevented.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded all planes at Reagan National Airport until further notice. An investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, with officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA working to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The airspace around Washington is notoriously crowded, with planes and helicopters buzzing about day and night. This incident raises questions about the safety and efficiency of air traffic control in the nation’s capital.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of life and offers its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
