No fewer than 67 people have died from a mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the accident, which occurred around 9 p.m. (EST).
The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The Bombardier CRJ700 was on approach to Reagan National Airport after a flight from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with the military helicopter.
According to US officials, the passenger plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members while the military helicopter had three personnel on board.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly stated that rescue efforts had shifted to a recovery operation, as no survivors were expected.
He confirmed that 28 bodies had been recovered, including one from the helicopter.
Passengers on the flight included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members who were returning from a development camp that followed the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement.
Reacting to the tragic event, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the U.S. government and the families of the victims.
Taking to his verified X handle, Tinubu wrote, “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.”
He added that Nigeria stands in solidarity with the United States in mourning the loss of lives.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation into the cause of the mid-air collision.
Meanwhile, flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport were temporarily suspended as emergency responders continued recovery operations.
