Jerry Jackson Rescue Teams Continue Recovery Efforts
Authorities have confirmed that there is no hope of finding survivors after a tragic collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington. Fire Chief John Donnelly reported that 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River. A total of 67 people were on board both aircraft. Rescue operations are ongoing to recover all victims.
The crash happened Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Airport. A passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a U.S. military helicopter transporting three soldiers while approaching for landing. Both aircraft crashed into the river. Despite an extensive overnight search involving divers and rescue boats, no survivors were found.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the helicopter was on a routine training flight. However, the cause of the collision remains unknown. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said authorities are investigating why the helicopter entered the passenger plane’s flight path.
Among the victims were about 15 U.S. figure skaters returning from a training camp in Wichita. Also on board were Russian 1994 world figure skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Russia has expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
Difficult Recovery Conditions and Investigation
Authorities are working to determine what led to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the passenger plane was a Bombardier CRJ700 with 60 passengers and four crew members. The military aircraft was a Sikorsky H-60, a version of the Black Hawk helicopter.
The FBI ruled out terrorism or foul play, but many questions remain unanswered. A webcam at the Kennedy Center recorded a mid-air explosion at 9:47 PM. Moments later, a burning aircraft plunged into the river.
More than 300 emergency responders are at the crash site, battling extreme conditions. Darkness, strong winds, and icy waters complicate the search. Fire department divers struggle with poor visibility, while helicopters use searchlights to scan the area. The Coast Guard is assisting the operation. Officials expect the recovery effort to take several days. A diving team has already retrieved one of the plane’s black boxes.
At the airport, worried relatives await news. Many complain about the lack of official updates. One man said his wife texted him just before landing, but his reply never reached her.
Political Reactions and Flight Disruptions
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted with disbelief to the accident. On Truth Social, he questioned why the helicopter did not avoid the collision. “The plane was on a clear approach. Why didn’t the helicopter move up or down?” he wrote.
The Pentagon has launched a full investigation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promised to deploy all available resources for the recovery efforts.
Ronald Reagan Airport remains closed until Friday morning. All flights have been suspended, causing significant disruptions. Passengers should prepare for major delays.