Thu Jan 30 17:31:29 UTC 2025: **Deadly Mid-Air Collision Over Washington D.C. Leaves No Survivors**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A catastrophic mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulted in the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew on the plane, and the three soldiers aboard the helicopter. President Donald Trump confirmed there were no survivors in a press briefing Thursday morning, expressing grief and attributing the tragedy to preventable failures.

The American Airlines flight, en route from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the helicopter Wednesday night, sending both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. A massive search and rescue operation ensued, transitioning into a recovery effort as authorities confirmed no survivors. Over 30 bodies have been recovered so far, including at least 14 figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a competition.

President Trump, in his address, sharply criticized former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, claiming their administrations lowered aviation safety standards. He announced the appointment of Chris Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the Federal Aviation Administration. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the President’s sentiments, with Hegseth stating that the “era of DEI is gone” at the Department of Defense and that the focus must be on merit. Vice President JD Vance similarly criticized diversity initiatives.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), alongside the U.S. Army and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will lead the investigation into the cause of the collision. Initial reports suggest the Black Hawk was on a training flight, and that air traffic control instructed the helicopter to maintain visual separation from the passenger jet, although the reasons behind the collision remain unclear. The FAA temporarily closed Reagan National Airport but reopened it at 11:00 a.m. ET Thursday.

The incident is the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. since American Airlines Flight 587 crashed in New York in 2001. Statements of condolence have been issued by various officials, including former President Barack Obama, the International Olympic Committee, and the city of Wichita. American Airlines has released a toll-free number for families seeking information. The investigation into this devastating event is ongoing.

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