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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayBuffalo Bills Player Dion Dawkins Speaks Out Following Fatal Plane Crash on His Property
Search and rescue efforts are underway after a horrific mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
American Eagle Flight 5342—a plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members aboard en route from Wichita, Kansas—crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with an army helicopter Jan. 29, NBC Washington reported.
At publishing time, more than 30 bodies have been recovered during search operations thus far, according to the outlet, citing two sources familiar with the search efforts.
Among those aboard the aircraft included American figure skaters, coaches and family members who had been at camp in Wichita, according to a statement released by U.S. Figure Skating.
“These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships,” the organization shared in a statement obtained by NBC News. “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts."
In addition, Russian state media reported that Russian figure skaters and coaches including World champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also on board the fatal flight.
"Bad news from Washington today," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in his daily news conference, per NBC News. "We grieve and console with the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in this plane crash."
The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision was carrying three people, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
"As we continue to pray for all involved, we are grateful for the efforts of our first responders during this tragic event," Bowser wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding in another tweet, "Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy."
Following the crash, President Donald Trump spoke out on Truth Social.
“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented," he wrote Jan. 29, "NOT GOOD!!!”
Ron McLendon II, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region/US Army Military District of Washington, also shared more insight into the incident, as well as an update on the ongoing investigation.
“While performing a training mission a United States Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Va., collided in midair with an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet Flight 5342 last night at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport," he said in a statement obtained by NBC News Jan. 30. "The FAA, NTSB and the United States Army will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation. We are working with local officials and will provide any additional information once it becomes available.”
Check back as this is a breaking news story and will be updated...
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