All 64 passengers and crew onboard the PAS Airlines jet and the three army officers in the military helicopter which collided mid-air and crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC on Wednesday, are feared dead, officials have confirmed.
An American Eagle Flight 5342 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided midair with an Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport last night.
The two aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, where a rescue operation has become a major recovery effort, with dozens of bodies pulled from the frigid waters so far, according to an NBS report
The regional plane was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, its parent company, American Airlines, said.
The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three people, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined other world leaders to commiserate with the United States of America and families of the victims over the incident.
In a tweet on his offivial X handle, Tinubu said: “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.”
American figure skaters, coaches and family members who had been at a camp in Wichita were among those aboard the passenger jet, according to U.S. Figure Skating.
Russian state media confirmed that Russian figure skaters and coaches were also on board.
President Donald Trump had earlier in a statement mourned the loss of the victims.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” Trump was quoted in a statement posted on X by White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
He is expected to address the deadly plane collision in a press briefing at 11 a.m. ET, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post.
