An American Airlines jet carrying 64 passengers collided with a U.S. Army helicopter with three people on board Wednesday night, triggering a search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River. According to Chief of D.C. Fire and EMS John Donnelly, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane, while one body has been retrieved from the helicopter.
By Thursday morning, crews were still searching for victims but did not expect to find any more survivors, making this the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 24 years.
The midair collision occurred just before 9 p.m. as the passenger jet, American Airlines Flight 5342, was approaching its landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The plane’s wreckage was discovered in three sections, upside down in waist-deep water, while the helicopter’s debris was also located, according to the Associated Press.
Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson reported that crash debris had spread into the county, prompting officials to close the plaza and piers at National Harbor to support recovery efforts.
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several members of its community, including athletes, coaches, and family members, were aboard the flight. The organization stated they were returning from the National Development Camp held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that Russian figure skaters and former world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among the passengers, along with other Russian citizens.
“We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives,” Peskov said.
The post Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov Death-Obituary; Athletes Dies In Army Black Hawk helicopter Crash first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
