All passengers are feared dead after American Eagle Flight 5342 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided midair with an Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport last night. The two aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, where a rescue operation has become a major recovery effort, with dozens of bodies pulled from the frigid waters so far.
Passengers and Aircraft Details
The regional jet was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, and American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft involved was one of its regional jets. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three people, according to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. The passengers included figure skaters, coaches, and family members who were on board the passenger jet, according to U.S. Figure Skating.
Figure Skaters Feared Lost in Tragedy
Fourteen figure skaters are feared lost in the mid-air collision over the Potomac River, according to Skating Club of Boston CEO Doug Zeghibe. Russian state media confirmed that Russian figure skaters and coaches were also on board the aircraft. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu expressed condolences and said that the community was mourning the loss.
Recovery Efforts and Investigation
Rescue operations are ongoing, with a recovery center set up in Washington to receive human remains from the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to launch an investigation into the incident. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns over the crash and said all efforts were being made to understand the cause.
