Washington tragedy: 19 bodies recovered after plane and military helicopter collide

A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday evening over the Potomac River in the skies of Washington. So far, only four out of the 64 people aboard the plane (60 passengers and 4 crew members) have been rescued, while the fate of the others remains uncertain in the icy waters of the Potomac. The three soldiers on the Blackhawk helicopter involved in the collision with the aircraft during a training flight are also feared to be in a critical condition. At least 19 bodies have been recovered by U.S. authorities, as reported by CBS.

The Italian Embassy in Washington confirms that U.S. authorities have ruled out the presence of Italians on the flight that crashed following a collision with a military helicopter.

“I stand with the U.S. Government and the American people for the terrible incident that occurred in Washington. Italy stands with the families of the victims. Our prayers are with you,” wrote the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian citizens were on board the plane that crashed in Washington. This was reported by the Interfax news agency. Earlier, Russian agencies had mentioned the presence of former Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, world champions in 1994, and Inna Volyanskaya on the plane. “Our condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones,” said Peskov.

As the search for bodies and possible survivors continues through the night, human remains and debris are being washed up on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, as reported by a CBS News correspondent, highlighting the grim aftermath of the plane and military helicopter collision in Washington.

“We have learned with deep sadness about the terrible incident between a plane and a helicopter in Washington D.C. Europe stands with the families of the victims in this difficult time – and with the American people as a whole. Our hearts and thoughts are with you,” wrote the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The plane that collided with a military helicopter in Washington has broken into multiple pieces and is now at a depth of 1.5-2.5 meters in the water, according to authorities cited by CBS News and BBC. The dive team has also found what appears to be one of the two black boxes. Divers have accessed the cockpit, and among the items recovered so far are luggage, as reported by CBS. The helicopter is upside down but appears to be mostly intact.

Several members of the U.S. figure skating community were on board the passenger plane that crashed in Washington after the collision with a military helicopter. “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families close to our hearts,” reads a statement from the U.S. Figure Skating, as reported by the Washington Post.

U.S. authorities have recovered at least 19 bodies in the plane crash that occurred in Washington. This information was reported by CBS, relayed by its European partner BBC, citing a law enforcement source familiar with the operations.

Washington Fire and Emergency Services Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. stated that the conditions for search and rescue operations for the plane crash are “dangerous,” adding that recovery efforts will likely take several days. “The river is a big black spot at night without lights,” said Donnelly, predicting that the collision investigation will take time.

Approximately 300 rescuers are engaged in the search for the missing and the recovery of bodies in the Potomac after the crash between a regional jet and a military helicopter. This was announced by Washington’s Fire Chief John Donnelly at a press conference at Reagan Airport. “It’s a highly complex operation, with extreme conditions,” he emphasized, highlighting the personnel and resources involved, including divers, boats, and helicopters. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who spoke with Trump and his team in the situation room, offering full support to local authorities, were also present at the press conference.

American Airlines is cooperating with authorities investigating the plane crash near Washington airport. CEO Robert Isom stated that he will soon travel to Washington. “We want to know everything possible about what happened,” he emphasized.

Three soldiers were on board the military helicopter involved in the Potomac incident in Washington, as confirmed by the U.S. Army.

“There is no indication of terrorism” in the Washington plane crash, as stated by FBI officials to NBC.

The plane that crashed into the Potomac River had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, as reported by CNN.

Washington’s Ronald Reagan Airport was closed after the plane crash involving an American Airlines flight colliding with a military helicopter and crashing into the Potomac River.

An extensive deployment of law enforcement and rescue forces near Washington’s Reagan Airport is underway to search for survivors of the collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter. The aircraft has crashed into the Potomac River.

Incident in Washington: a CRJ-700 aircraft capable of carrying up to 70 people collided with a helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Airport, as reported by the media. Departures and arrivals from the airport have been suspended.