No Survivors Expected in Washington DC Plane Crash, Officials Confirm
TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com
Authorities have confirmed that no survivors are expected following a mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington DC. The crash, which occurred Wednesday night over the Potomac River, has resulted in the recovery of 28 bodies so far.
Washington DC Fire Chief John Donnelly stated that emergency crews have transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery operation. “We don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” he said, confirming that 27 victims were recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter. Efforts are now focused on reuniting the victims’ remains with their families.
The American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with the military helicopter during its approach to Reagan National Airport. The helicopter had three soldiers onboard. The fuselage of the plane was located in three sections in waist-deep water.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed condolences, saying, “All Americans share a profound sense of grief over these tragic events.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the flight path was standard and assured the public that flying remains safe. However, he called the crash “preventable” and pledged a full investigation.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated, “At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the passenger jet.” The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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