Two skaters, two coaches, and two parents from the Skating Club of Boston were involved in the tragic plane crash near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, according to executive director Doug Zeghibe. The American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk Army helicopter, marking the first major aviation disaster in the U.S. involving a commercial aircraft since 2009.
Details of the Incident
The flight had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching for landing at Reagan Washington National Airport when the collision occurred. The search-and-rescue operation is ongoing, and the number of casualties is still unclear. The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed the midair collision between a CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. Among the casualties were skaters Spencer Lane and Gina Khan, as well as coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
Impact on the Skating Community
The Skating Club of Boston is devastated by the loss of their members and staff. Zeghibe described the victims as family and expressed his club's resilience in the face of tragedy. The upcoming ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston will proceed as planned, despite the somber atmosphere within the skating community.
History of Tragedy
This is not the first time the Skating Club of Boston has faced such a loss. In 1961, the team suffered a devastating plane crash in Belgium, which claimed the lives of numerous skaters, coaches, and officials. Zeghibe emphasized the importance of rebuilding and moving forward in the wake of such tragedies.
Reactions and Response
Officials, including Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, have expressed their condolences and commitment to investigating the incident. The aviation community is coming together to support the victims, their families, and the first responders involved in the rescue efforts.
Investigation and Recovery
As the investigation progresses, authorities will analyze control tower audio, witness testimonies, and the plane's black box to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, first responders are working tirelessly to recover bodies and wreckage from the Potomac River.
