Dozens of bodies recovered from DC river after midair collision
Officials say there are no survivors from the American Airlines regional flight which crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC.
It happened moments after the plane collided midair with a military Black hawk helicopter.
At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the freezing waters.
Recovery efforts are continuing.
The accident led to an immediate ground stop at nearby Reagan National Airport.
The regional jet, operated by American’s regional service partner PSA, was in the middle of its descent to the airport.
It took off earlier from Wichita, Kansas with 67 passengers and crew on board.
The passengers included several members of the US figure skating team.
Hundreds of emergency personnel were on both river banks with a helicopter providing searchlight assistance.
Within about an hour, search divers were in the freezing waters.
The Army Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three people, whose bodies have been recovered by divers,
According to a rescue team source, the plane broke up into several pieces on contact with the water.
American Airlines’ CEO responded with a statement.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,” Robert Isom said.
The airline has set up a helpline and for families with loved ones on the flight at 1-800-679-8215.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said: “it would be premature to speculate on the root cause of this accident. We will wait for the National Transportation Safety Board to complete its work and use that information to help guide decisions and changes to enhance and improve aviation safety,” he continued.
This hasn’t stopped the President from blaming, without evidence, the previous administration’s DEI policies for the crash.
This is despite President Trump shutting down a key FAA aviation safety board just days ago.
The National Transport Safety Board expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days.
Related News Stories: Bodies recovered from river after air collision above Washington DC TravelMole Nevada's best 'out there' experiences Florida Keys & Key West - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
San Antonio on the Rise: David Gonzalez Talks Travel, Culture, and Growth
Anna Marie Presutti on San Francisco’s Tourism Revival and Global Outlook
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
British cruise guests arrested for skipping onboard bill
Royal Caribbean issues Legionnaires’ disease warning
Aer Lingus revs up for Europe’s only direct Indianapolis route
Payday booking spikes replacing traditional peaks
Affordable Luxury Travel rebrands to Luxtripper