A passenger jet and an Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulting in at least 28 fatalities. The incident is being investigated as a potential major aviation disaster.
At least 28 bodies were recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River following a collision between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet late Wednesday. The incident, which occurred as the plane was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, is feared to be the worst U.S. aviation disaster in nearly a quarter century. The plane, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was found upside-down in three sections, while the helicopter wreckage was also located.
Officials stated that they believe there are no survivors. The aircraft, en route from Wichita, Kansas, carried a diverse group of individuals, including U.S. and Russian figure skaters. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured the public that the United States has the safest airspace in the world, adding that early indicators suggest the collision was preventable. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, officials are examining multiple factors, including the presence of both military and commercial aircraft in the area. The crash has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting a somber mood at Reagan National Airport as stranded passengers awaited flight resumption. President Donald Trump, while offering a moment of silence for the victims, used the tragedy to launch political attacks, blaming the Biden administration and the Federal Aviation Administration's diversity initiatives for alleged safety lapses. However, he acknowledged the lack of definitive information regarding the cause of the crash. Images from the Potomac River showed boats surrounding the partially submerged wing and the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage. Witnesses recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the collision, describing a night of clear skies and standard flight procedures. The incident has reignited discussions about aviation safety and the role of government regulations, while the families of the victims grapple with unimaginable loss. The investigation is expected to take weeks, if not months, to determine the precise circumstances that led to this devastating tragedy.
Aviation Disaster Potomac River Helicopter Crash Passenger Jet Ronald Reagan National Airport Washington D.C. Military Aircraft Federal Aviation Administration
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