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Tragic Mid-Air Collision Shakes Washington DC: Unraveling the Facts

An American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. The passenger jet, operating as Flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The military helicopter, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, had three soldiers on board from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time as both aircraft approached Runway 33.

Rescue teams have recovered at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River following the crash. Among the victims were figure skaters from the U.S. and Russia, including former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Authorities have deployed approximately 300 first responders to the crash site, where they face challenging conditions such as cold temperatures and ice. The search for additional survivors continues as authorities work tirelessly.

Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos

Witnesses described harrowing scenes as the aircraft collided. Ari Schulman, driving along the George Washington Parkway, observed the plane’s approach appearing normal until it banked hard to the right, emitting “streams of sparks” from its underside. He noted that the sparks resembled a “giant roman candle” extending from the plane’s nose to its tail. Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, saw a “white flare” in the sky while dining near the airport and noted irregular flight patterns before emergency services arrived.

Official Responses and Investigation

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, stating he had been fully briefed on the “terrible accident” and was monitoring the situation closely. He praised the efforts of first responders and emphasized the need to understand how such an incident could have occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a thorough investigation into the collision. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom conveyed his “deep sorrow” regarding the tragedy in a video statement.

In the aftermath of the collision, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings. Flights were diverted to nearby airports, including Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport. The airport remains closed as authorities conduct their investigation and ensure safety protocols are reviewed.

Ongoing Developments

As the investigation progresses, officials are focusing on determining the cause of the collision. The aviation community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety measures to prevent future incidents. Families of the victims are being supported during this difficult time, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. However, authorities urge patience as recovery and investigative teams prioritize safety and accuracy in determining the crash’s cause.

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