New Delhi:
In a tragic and shocking incident, a midair collision between a US Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport has resulted in the loss of all lives on board. The accident, which occurred on the evening of January 30, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the nation and raised critical questions about air traffic control and safety protocols.
The collision involved a total of 67 individuals: 60 passengers and four crew members on the American Airlines regional jet, and three soldiers on the US Army Blackhawk helicopter. The incident happened as the passenger jet, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines, was on its routine approach to Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.
Details of the Tragedy
The midair collision occurred around 9:00 p.m. local time, plunging both aircraft into the Potomac River. Despite immediate and extensive rescue efforts, no survivors have been found. As of the latest reports, 28 bodies have been recovered from the river, with the recovery operation ongoing.
The rescue efforts were led by 300 first responders who braved extreme conditions, including cold temperatures, heavy winds, and icy waters. The operation transitioned from a rescue to a recovery mission as hopes of finding survivors dwindled.
Air traffic controllers had issued warnings to the helicopter about the potential collision, but these warnings were apparently not heeded. Audio recordings from the air traffic control tower reveal a controller asking the helicopter if it had the passenger jet in sight and instructing it to pass behind the CRJ, but there was no response from the helicopter before the collision.
Notable Victims and Reactions
Among the victims were several members of the US Figure Skating community, including athletes, coaches, and officials who were returning from a development camp. Notably, Russian world pairs skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also on the flight.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. President Donald Trump, in a social media post, criticized the actions of the helicopter and air traffic control, suggesting that the collision could have been prevented.
Investigation and Aftermath
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary information indicates that both aircraft were following standard flight patterns on a clear night with good visibility, yet the collision still occurred. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that flying in American skies is safe and assured the public that the administration will not rest until they have answers for the families and the flying public.
This incident marks one of the deadliest air crashes in the US in nearly 24 years, highlighting the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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