Thu Jan 30 10:46:43 UTC 2025: ## Plane Crash Near Washington D.C. Kills Dozens, Including Figure Skaters
**Washington, D.C. -** A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional plane and a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday has claimed the lives of dozens, with fears that there may be no survivors. Among the 64 passengers and crew aboard the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, were a significant number of figure skaters, including renowned Russian former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, and possibly their son Maxim.
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that athletes, coaches, and family members returning from a National Development Camp in Kansas were on board. Russian state media also identified Shishkova, Naumov, and potentially Maxim among the victims. A source told Reuters that as many as 15 of the passengers may have been involved in figure skating, including Inna Volyanskaya, a former Soviet Union skater and coach at a Washington figure skating club.
The crash occurred mid-flight, resulting in a major emergency response. Authorities have not yet released an official death toll but have indicated that survival is unlikely. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing devastation and offering condolences to the victims’ families. The investigation into the cause of the collision is underway.
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