All passengers aboard a commercial jet are feared dead following a collision with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, reports AP.
The American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the helicopter as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, triggering a large-scale search operation in the nearby Potomac River.
At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the river, and officials believe there were no survivors. If confirmed, this would be the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2009. The plane's wreckage was found upside down in three sections in shallow water, and the helicopter's remains were also discovered. The helicopter was carrying three soldiers.
The U.S. Coast Guard has been deployed to assist in the search and recovery efforts, working alongside other agencies to recover the wreckage and secure the area. The President expressed his condolences and acknowledged the response from first responders.
Among the victims were two renowned Russian figure skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who had been coaching at the Skating Club of Boston. Several others with ties to the figure skating community were also aboard the flight.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the collision, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also involved. The airport resumed operations the following morning, after all flights had been grounded following the crash.
Rescue teams continue to work in difficult conditions as they recover the bodies of the victims. The tragic accident has deeply impacted the figure skating community, with expressions of grief from around the world. President Trump has called the collision preventable and raised questions about the military helicopter's actions and air traffic control procedures leading up to the crash.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
