Thu Jan 30 19:08:58 IST 2025: ## No Survivors in Deadly Mid-Air Collision Over Washington D.C.
**Washington, D.C.** – A midair collision between a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet over Washington, D.C., has resulted in no survivors, fire officials confirmed early this morning. Twenty-eight bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly announced at a press conference outside Reagan National Airport that the rescue operation had transitioned to a recovery operation. Over 300 first responders worked through frigid temperatures, high winds, and icy conditions throughout the night to recover the victims.
The collision involved a Bombardier plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport. The plane was approaching the airport at approximately 9 pm local time when the accident occurred. US Figure Skating confirmed that several athletes, coaches, and officials were on board the plane, and Russian officials confirmed that 1994 world pairs champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also among the passengers.
Air traffic control recordings reveal that controllers warned the Black Hawk helicopter of an impending collision with the passenger jet. Audio captures the controllers’ attempts to guide the helicopter, culminating in audible gasps upon impact. Witnesses reported seeing a fireball before the wreckage fell into the river.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, officials stated that both aircraft were on standard flight paths under clear night conditions with good visibility. Aviation experts suggest that the passenger plane would have had the right of way if cleared for landing.
President Trump took to social media to express his critical assessment of the incident, questioning the actions of both the helicopter crew and air traffic control. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow, and Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas described the event as a “nightmare.” The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing.
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