Authorities have released new statements regarding the mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., which is believed to have claimed the lives of 64 people, shedding further light on the gravity of the disaster.
Crash and Rescue Operations
American Airlines Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was preparing to land on Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter conducting a training flight. The collision occurred over the Potomac River, sending both aircraft crashing into the water.
According to officials, the commercial plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three military personnel on board. No survivors have been reported so far. Rescue teams have been working through the night in freezing river waters to locate victims and recover wreckage.
Official Statements
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured full federal support, stating, “We are grateful to the first responders for their swift action. Our investigation is ongoing as we seek to understand the details of this tragic event.” The FAA has confirmed that Reagan National Airport will remain closed until Friday morning.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has reportedly traveled to D.C. and announced that a support hotline has been set up for the families of the victims. The airline has pledged to provide further updates as more details emerge.
Chilling Audio Recordings Reveal Moments Before Impact
CNN has obtained air traffic control recordings that capture the horrifying moments leading up to the crash. In the audio, an air traffic controller can be heard asking the helicopter pilot if they had visual contact with the approaching commercial aircraft, followed by the directive, “Pass behind the CRJ.” The collision was immediately followed by frantic reactions from air traffic controllers in the background.
One pilot reported seeing flares rising from the Potomac River at the moment of impact. Following the crash, all flights at DCA were suspended, with numerous aircraft diverted to alternative airports.
Visuals and Rescue Efforts
Footage from the ongoing rescue operations shows wreckage scattered in the river, highlighting the immense challenges faced by emergency teams as they work under difficult conditions.
One of Washington’s Deadliest Aviation Disasters
This accident is now considered one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Washington’s history, second only to the 1982 Air Florida crash, when a plane struck the 14th Street Bridge before plunging into the Potomac River.
As the world reacts to this devastating tragedy, investigators continue their efforts to uncover the cause of the crash and prevent such disasters in the future.
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