By Our Reporter
No survivors yet as an American Airlines jet from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter just outside Ronald Reagan National Airport Washington DC.
The Airlines passenger jet was carrying 64 people and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers.
According to U. S Figure Skating official in a statement to CNN,several members of the figure skating community were aboard the jet . Current matters gathered that Russia’s two world-champion Russian figure skaters were on the plane.
“These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,” the organization .
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
Scores have been confirmed dead as a massive search is underway.
The incident is similar to another that happened some four decades ago.43 years ago. another plane crashed into the icy Potomac killing 78.
On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90, departing Washington National Airport for Fort Lauderdale, struck the 14th Street Bridge before crashing into then ice-capped Potomac River shortly after takeoff.
Seventy of the 74 passengers on board died, along with four of the five crew members, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Four motorists on the bridge also died.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board at the time determined that the accident was caused by multiple failures –– including the crew’s failure to remove excessive ice and snow on the wings and engine of the plane during ground operation.
The investigation held the captain of the flight accountable for failing to reject takeoff even after he was made aware of the unfavorable conditions.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter said Thursday that “we did have folks who were at the airport who were there to pick up loved ones,” adding that American Airlines has set up a center in the airport for friends and families.
“We’ve directed the families there, and there are counselors there to work with the families.”
Meanwhile,President Trump said the midair plane collision “was a bad situation that”looks like it should have been prevented”
The President wrote on his Truth Social Platform
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane,”
“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” he added.
The United States Geological Survey USGS reveals on its website posted that the Potomac River has an average depth of 24 feet,. averaging approximately 400 miles long from its headwaters at North Branch to its mouth in the Chesapeake Bay
The Potomac ranks 48th among 135 US rivers that are more than 100 miles long, it added.
Expressing his deep condolences ,Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu
wrote on X ( formerly Twitter)”
I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Washington, D.C.
On behalf of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the United States, and all affected by this profound loss. I commend the courageous efforts of first responders and emergency teams for their selfless work in harsh conditions.
Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States Government and its People, united in grief and hopeful for a new day.” The president wrote.
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